Equality and Diversity (Reform) Bill

A Bill to prohibit the use of affirmative and positive action in recruitment and appointment processes; to repeal the Sex Discrimination (Election Candidates) Act 2002; and for connected purposes.

The Bill would introduce a prohibition on affirmative or positive action by public authorities in recruitment or appointment processes. Affirmative or positive action is defined in the Bill as 'action that is intended to give a benefit or encouragement to a particular group or groups of people, on the basis of age, sex, sexual orientation, race, nationality, disability, religion, or socio-economic status.' The Bill would also repeal the Sex Discrimination (Election Candidates) Act 2002.