Race Relations Act 1965
As a response to increasing numbers of people moving to the UK, the first Race Relations Act was passed...
Sexual Offences Act 1967
The Sexual Offences Act 1967 partially decriminalised homosexuality in England and Wales.
Race Relations Act 1968
Direct discrimination ‘on the ground of colour, race, or ethnic or national origins’ was outlawed.
The UK joins the European Economic Community
In 1973, UK joined the European Economic Community, which influenced subsequent legal developments.
Employment Protection Act passed
The Employment Protection Act was passed in 1975, addressing rights in regard to maternity leave and pregnancy.
Race Relations Act 1976
The Race Relations Act 1976 superceded the 1968 Act, bringing added protections in employment, training and education; provision of...
1979 General Election and first woman Prime Minister
Margaret Thatcher became the UK's first woman Prime Minister in 1979.
Disability Discrimination Act 1995
The Disability Discrimination Act 1995 was the first of its kind to protect disabled people from discrimination in areas...
1997 General Election and Minister for Women
Harriet Harman MP was appointed as the first 'Minister for Women' after the 1997 general election.
Devolution
Equality law and policy was historically centralised at Westminster/Whitehall level. Devolution has changed this dynamic in fundamental ways since...
Publication of the Macpherson Report
The Macpherson Report led to a concerted review of how public sector organisations addressed discrimination.
Report of the Independent Review of Anti-Discrimination Legislation
A key document that made wide-ranging recommendations for reform of UK equalities legislation was published in 2000.
Disability Rights Commission (DRC) set up
Sir Bert Massie chaired the Disability Rights Commission from 2000 to 2007.
Repeal of ‘Section 28’
The controversial 'Section 28' was repealed in 2000 (Scotland) and 2003 (rest of the UK).
2004 Civil Partnership Act
The Civil Partnership Act 2004 enabled single-sex couples to have similar rights and responsibilities to those in civil marriages.
Discrimination Law Review set up
The Discrimination Law Review exmained how equality law might be reformed.
Equality Act 2006 and Establishment of the EHRC
In 2006 the EHRC was created as one single body to cover all areas of discrimination.
