Debate on Sex Discrimination Legislation Deferred to Next Government

The introduction of anti-discrimination legislation in Guernsey, specifically concerning sex-based discrimination, has been deferred and will not be subject to debate until the formation of the subsequent government. This proposed legislation was intended to form part of Phase 2 of Guernsey’s Anti-Discrimination Legislation, which represents an anticipated revision of the existing legal framework. Deputy Peter Roffey, who serves as the President of Employment and Social Security, stated that the formulation of policy related to sex and gender could not be finalized within the allotted timeframe because of its “complex and controversial nature”. He further indicated that an attempt to deliberate on the matter prior to the conclusion of the current political term would carry the risk of undue haste. Phase 1 of Guernsey’s Anti-Discrimination Legislation was implemented in 2023, providing safeguards against discrimination based on disability, carer status, race, religion and belief, and sexuality. Provisions for protecting individuals from discrimination on the basis of age and sex were scheduled for introduction during Phase 2, spanning the period from 2024 to 2026. Roffey cited ongoing legal discussions within the United Kingdom as a contributing factor to the committee’s decision to defer the matter until the subsequent political term, commencing after the June election. He stated: “All the bodies interested in this subject, from the whole spectrum of opinion on it, were telling us ‘don’t rush it, take your time, get it right’ and that can’t be done before April.” Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content found on external websites. Information regarding our policy on external linking is available.