Equality bill gets washed up

The equality bill has been passed in the last days of the government in the 'wash up' period.

•  Update - See an overview of the changes which came into effect on 1 October 2010 here

The Press Association reported Deputy Labour leader Harriet Harman's flagship Equality Bill was sent for Royal Assent on 7 April 2010.

MPs approved amendments including protection against discrimination for young mothers and mothers-to-be who are still at school. The injunction on civil partnership ceremonies occurring in religious locations has also been lifted although gay and transsexual people could still be refused jobs by churches.

Disabled employees may benefit from the fact that the equality bill has been passed prior to the dissolution of parliament in the run up to the general election, according to The Employer's Forum on Disability.