Lesson 22 – Legislation and government action to reduce racial inequality (2) Learning Intentions (Pupils should be able to): 1.Describe UK legislation to reduce racial inequality in the UK. 2.Give examples of government action to reduce racial inequality in the UK.

Race and the Law The UK has many laws to promote racial equality: Race Relations Acts 1965 and 1976 – These laws make it illegal to discriminate on grounds of colour, race or ethnic/national origin in public places. The 1976 Act also set up the Commission for Racial Equality (CRE) which in 2006 merged with the other equality bodies to form The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC). Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000 and 2003 – Public organisations must be pro-active in promoting racial equality. The 2003 Act requires all employers to take reasonable steps to prevent discrimination. Racial and Religious Hatred Act 2007 – In Eng. and Wales it is an offence to intentionally stir up racial hatred. In Scotland, stirring up religious hatred is an aggravated offence.

Race and the Law The Equality Act 2010 – Brings together a range of equality legislation (116 in total). The bill will allow companies to discriminate in favour (i.e. ‘positive discrimination’) of female and ethnic minority candidates of equal ability, though companies would not be forced to use positive discrimination.

Campaigns Against Racism - Scotland Against Racism The Scottish Government's anti-racism campaign is designed to tackle racism in this country. It aims to raise awareness of racist attitudes and highlight its negative impact, to make Scotland no place for racism. The Scotland Against Racism Campaign includes: Rock Against Racism One Workplace Equal Rights Project Young Scot

Campaigns Against Racism – Show Racism the Red Card Show Racism the Red Card (SRtRC) is a GB-wide, anti-racist charity. It produces a range of anti-racist educational resources, harnessing the power of high profile professional footballers to combat racism. The charity is helping to take the anti-racist message out to Scottish schools and football clubs through resources, events, competitions and partnership working. The Scottish Government has been pleased to fund Show Racism the Red Card in Scotland in support of its One Scotland campaign.

Legislation and government action to reduce racial inequality Questions 1. Make brief notes on the legislation that exists to prevent racial inequality in the UK. 2. What is the role of the Equality and Human Rights Commission? 3. Explain the way in which the Equality Bill 2010 aims to help minority ethnic groups in securing employment. 4. Describe the ways in which the ‘Scotland Against Racism’ and ‘Show Racism the Red Card’ campaigns work to eliminate racism. Reading: “Modern UK Social Issues” pages