Equality Law

Equality Act 2010

Applies in England, Scotland and Wales

People who are married or in a civil partnership are protected against discrimination. The status of being unmarried or single is not protected.

This characteristic applies in employment but does not apply in the provision of education.

This characteristic is subject to the first arm of the public sector equality duty — to have due regard to the need to eliminate discrimination, harassment, victimisation and any other prohibited conduct.

Northern Ireland (Executive Formation) Act 2019

Applies in Northern Ireland

This law prohibits discrimination and harassment on grounds of marital and civil partnership status i.e. protects people who are married or in a civil partnership. This applies in the field of employment but not education.

Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998

Same-sex marriage in Northern Ireland became legal on 13 January 2020.

The protected characteristic of marital status (being married or being a civil partner) is subject to the duty to have due regard to the need to promote equality of opportunity. This entails more than the elimination of discrimination and requires proactive measures to be taken to ensure equality for people who are married or are a civil partner in our policies and decision-making.