08 March 2007
New proposals to eliminate discrimination in Jersey have won broad support from the public in a consultation which ended late last year.
The next step will be the presentation of a Draft Law, under which racial discrimination would be tackled as the first priority. It is proposed to extend the Law to eliminate sex and gender discrimination and disability discrimination in the future.
Senator Wendy Kinnard, Minister for Home Affairs, who has sponsored the legislation, said: “I am delighted that the principle of providing protection against discrimination has been supported by the public. It is an area in which Jersey has lacked a proper framework which establishes protection for all members of our community. While I do not believe there is any widespread discriminatory practice, the legislation will provide a firm foundation from which sound judgements can be made on what is, and what is not, acceptable behaviour.”
The proposed Law will mean various types of discrimination will be prohibited. This will introduce requirements for good practice in employment, education, the supply of goods and services and access to premises. Banning other specified types of discrimination, such as race, sex and disability, would be introduced gradually in phases. It would be enforced either by a new Discrimination Panel or the existing Employment Tribunal.
Although agreeing with the principle of the proposals, some respondents to the consultation questioned the need to introduce more legislation. In addition, the Island’s business community identified the need to allow sufficient time for training on the new Law and for government to recognise the potential cost to business of the proposals.
“We have taken on board the comments that have been made and we will be bringing forward further proposals which I hope will reassure those who had concerns” added Senator Kinnard.
“The need to address some of the issues raised in the consultation process has resulted in a slight delay to our original timetable” she said. "I intend to bring the proposal to the States for debate as soon as possible. It is time that we introduced legislation in Jersey that brings the Island up to the standard of most civilised countries in protecting the rights of all people in our community.”
Notes to editors:
The consultation paper was the outcome of research carried out by States departments and Committees since 1999.
Following media coverage last summer on the proposals, information was sent to the 300 organisations currently registered with the States Communications Unit on its Consultation Register. Meetings were also held with representatives of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Development and the Jersey Community Relations Trust.
27 written responses were received from a range of community representatives.
Details of the responses received will be available shortly on the States website www.gov.je
The proposals also support Jersey's international commitments with regard to the UN Convention on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
For further information contact:
Senator Wendy Kinnard, Home Affairs Department Tel: 752900
Mike Entwistle: International Relations, Chief Minister’s Department
Tel: 440405 E-mail: m.entwistle@gov.je
gov.je