A Single Equality Bill for Whom? : from political rhetoric to equality for all Debbie Kohner Equality Officer, CAJ NICEM Annual Conference 1 July 2011

Plan 1.Chronology of Single Equality Bill (SEB) in Northern Ireland (NI) 2.Political Rhetoric - Stalemate 3.Why a SEB is still necessary in NI 4.What we need in a SEB for NI

The SEB in NI: a chronology The First Executive –2001 Programme for Government Open Consultation Due to be law in 2003 –2002 Delay in SEB schedule Specific legislation to be introduced to address EU Directives

The SEB in NI: a chronology The Assembly Suspended –2003 Panel of Experts Informal Consultation –2004 Preliminary consultation Green Paper on a SEB for NI - consultation –2006 Still analysing responses Expect 18 months to prepare

Chronology → Stalemate The St Andrew’s Agreement –Annex B commitment –March 2007 Pre-consultation on SEB Assembly –May 2007 motion for SEB –SEB team moved to other areas of work –Discrete legislation and policies –‘No decision’ on SEB

Stalemate - Political Rhetoric Political rhetoric –Words without action –Opposition to SEB

DUP Manifesto EU elections 2009

Stalemate - Political Rhetoric Political rhetoric –Words without action –Opposition to SEB Current Assembly –Majority of manifestos committed to SEB –SEB not expected in PfG –Discrete pieces of legislation more likely

Why we need a SEB in NI Inconsistencies in NI equality law

OFMDFM Working Paper for SEB 2007

Why we need a SEB in NI Inconsistencies in NI equality law Complexity of NI equality law Concerns over access to justice International imperatives NI equality law is incomplete

What we need for SEB in NI Harmonise, strengthen and simplify NI equality law Not direct import of GB Equality Act Build on local work and consultations Learn from GB successes and challenges Find a local solution to a local context

Any questions? Thank you Debbie Kohner Equality Programme Officer, CAJ