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Question

Difficulty: Very hardFreedom from Unfair Discrimination

The Equality Act 2010 prohibits unfair treatment across several areas of public life, including employment, housing, and the provision of services. Based on the 'protected characteristics' defined in this Act, which of the following individuals would NOT be protected from discrimination if they were treated unfavourably for the reason given?

  1. A job applicant who is rejected because of their active membership in a specific political partyAnswer
  2. B
    An employee who is denied a promotion because they have recently entered into a civil partnership
  3. C
    A tenant who is evicted from their home because they have started the process of gender reassignment
  4. D
    A customer who is refused service in a shop because they are currently on maternity leave

Answer

A job applicant who is rejected because of their active membership in a specific political party
The correct answer identifies that membership in a political party is not one of the nine protected characteristics defined by the Equality Act 2010. The nine characteristics are age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation. Consequently, treating someone unfavourably because of their political party is not a breach of this specific Act, even though it may be seen as unfair in a general sense.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Review the nine protected characteristics defined by the Equality Act 2010.
The nine characteristics are age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation.
The Act only provides legal protection against discrimination based on these specific traits.
2
Compare the scenarios provided in the options against the list of protected characteristics.
Marriage/civil partnership, gender reassignment, and pregnancy/maternity are all on the protected list.
This identifies which scenarios constitute illegal discrimination.
3
Identify the characteristic that is missing from the legal protections.
Membership in a political party is not a protected characteristic under the Equality Act 2010.
While unfair, discrimination based on political affiliation is not covered by this specific piece of legislation.

Key Concept

Protected Characteristics under the Equality Act 2010
Estimated Time:1m 30s
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Topics

Freedom from Unfair Discrimination

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