Bridgnorth Golf Club
THE EQUALITY ACT 2010
The Equality Act received Royal Assent in April 2010 and the
main provisions of the Act come into force on 1st October 2010.
The Act contains a section that specifically relates to
Associations and Clubs with more than 25 members of which Bridgnorth Golf Club
must comply with.
The Act makes it unlawful to discriminate against members,
associate members, prospective members and guests on the basis of a protected
characteristic, whether directly or indirectly. This does not mean that all
must be treated identically; just that no-one must be treated less favourably
because of their sex, race, religion, disability, etc.
The Protected Characteristics listed in the Act that apply
to Bridgnorth Golf Club are:
• Age
(not being implemented until 2012);
•
Disability;
•
Gender reassignment;
• Race
(including ethnic origin, national origin, colour, nationality);
•
Religion or belief;
• Sex;
•
Sexual orientation.
To come within the scope of the Act and therefore be
actionable, any direct or indirect discrimination must be on the basis of one
of these characteristics.
The Committee has recently set up a working party comprising
representatives from all sections of the club to consider and implement the
changes necessary for compliance with this Act.
It is important that members be aware of the contents of the
Equality Act and understand that changes must take
place to comply.
The Committee is also mindful that open and honest
discussion is important and that innovative ideas may come from
within the membership.
If you have any ideas, comments or questions please send
them via email to bgcequality@talktalk.net or alternatively
write to The Secretary via the Golf Club, marking your envelope 'equality'.
Further information regarding the Act is available via the
Internet:
The Equality Act 2010 and Golf - Advice and Opinions from the EGU and
EWGA
http://www.englishgolfunion.org/documents/Equality_Act_2010_Golf_Final__Aug_2010_.pdf
The Equality Act 2010
http://www.equalities.gov.uk/equality_act_2010.aspx
More details from the working party will be published
shortly.