What are the protected characteristics?
The protected characteristics
- age
- disability
- gender reassignment
- marriage and civil partnership
- pregnancy and maternity
- race
- religion or belief
- sex
- sexual orientation
Each area has different legislative foundations, but all are
combined into the Equality Act 2010.
It should also be noted that 'equal opportunities' is defined by
the Scotland Act 1998 as:
"…the prevention, elimination or regulation of discrimination
between persons on grounds of sex or marital status, on racial
grounds, or on grounds of disability, age, sexual orientation,
language or social origin, or of other personal attributes,
including beliefs or opinions, such as religious beliefs or
political opinions."
This is a slightly wider definition and has to be considered in
interpreting legislation originating in the Scottish
Parliament.