Anti-discrimination regulations welcomed

11.19.22am BST (GMT +0100) Fri 27th Apr 2007

Serge Lourie, Leader of the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames has welcomed the passing of the the Equality Act (Sexual Orientation) Regulations 2007 by both houses of Parliament with the support of Liberal Democrat MPs and peers.

The regulations implement the Equality Act 2006 by prohibiting discrimination on the ground of sexual orientation in the provision of goods and services to the public (for example, in shops and hotels), in the rental and sale of premises and in education. They prohibit a restaurant from throwing out a gay couple for holding hands, or a hotel from refusing two lesbians a double room or a school excluding a child because of the sexual orientation of one or both of the parents. The regulations do not prevent anyone from believing whatever they like for whatever reason they wish. But although freedom of belief is absolute, freedom to manifest belief is strictly limited.

Speaking as the regulations come into effect on 30 April, Cllr Lourie said:

"As the Cabinet Member with responsibility for equalities on the Council I should like to add my support to Liberal Democrat peers and MPs who supported these regulations. I believe that they will make a difference to the lives of millions of lesbian and gay people in this country. This legislation is in line with our council's equalities and diversity policy and as such we welcome it. Nobody should be discriminated against in any way simply because of their race, colour, gender, disability, age or sexual orientation"