Religion & Belief Discrimination - Legislation Update & Best Practice

Introduction

The Equality Act 2010 contains 9 protected characteristics, and one of these is religion/belief.

Religion does not tend to cause a lot of debate - we are unlikely to argue about whether Sikhism, Christianity, Hinduism etc. are religions. However, belief has caused a lot of debate.

There is no list of beliefs in the Equality Act 2010, instead an Employment Tribunal is required to look at the explanation of what constitutes a belief, if a claim of discrimination is made, and decide what is covered by the law.

This has led to some difficult debates - are beliefs which some individuals find upsetting covered by discrimination legislation?

Is vegetarianism a lifestyle choice or a belief?

Is a dread of COVID-19 a fear or a belief (and what is the difference)?

Can beliefs about gender reassignment and the ability to change biological sex be protected?

Aimed at employment lawyers and HR professionals, this virtual classroom seminar will examine the very latest case law and will give guidance on how to determine what is, and is not, a belief as defined in the Equality Act 2010.

What You Will Learn

This live and interactive session will cover the following:

• How a belief is defined in the Equality Act 2010
• How the Employment Tribunals have approached the definition of a belief
• Gender critical beliefs
• Beliefs around COVID-19 and vaccination
• Veganism
• Political beliefs
• Scientific beliefs
• Lack of belief

Recording of live sessions: Soon after the Learn Live session has taken place you will be able to go back and access the recording - should you wish to revisit the material discussed.