Equality and Human Rights Commission Jackie Driver, Head of Policy- Planning and Environment

1. Equality and Human Rights Commission Jackie Driver, Head of Policy- Planning and Environment Should religion or belief based organisations have exemptions from equality laws?

2. The right to flourish – a modern definition of equality The Equality and Human Rights Commission champions equality and human rights for all, working to eliminate discrimination, reduce inequality, protect human rights and to build good relations, ensuring that everyone has a fair chance to participate in society.

3. Legislation Under section 3 of the Equality Act 2006 the EHRC is tasked with: "encouraging and supporting the development of a society in which- • (a) people's ability to achieve their potential is not limited by prejudice or discrimination • (b) there is respectfor and protection of each individual's human rights • (c) there is respect for the dignity and worthof each individual • (d) each individual has an equal opportunity to participatein society, and • (e) there is mutual respect between groupsbased on understanding and valuing of diversity and on shared respect for equality and human rights

4. Current human rights and equality law approaches to conflicting rights

5. The context

6. Courts decisions

7. Framing the tasks Inflexible positions Principled approach Pragmatic approach

8. Models for balancing rights

10. Equality and Human Rights Commission Helpline contact numbers  0845 604 6610 - England main number0845 604 6620 - England textphone0845 604 6630 - England fax Wales 0845 604 8810 - Wales main number0845 604 8820 - Wales textphone0845 604 8830 - Wales fax Scotland 0845 604 5510 - Scotland Main0845 604 5520 - Scotland textphone0845 604 5530 - Scotland – Fax Enquiries: http://www.equalityhumanrights.com/en/Pages/enquiry

11. ‘Building a society built on fairness and respect where people are confident in all aspects of their diversity.’