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Difficulty: MediumFreedom from Unfair Discrimination

A bed and breakfast owner is managing guest bookings for the upcoming season. According to the Equality Act 2010, which of the following actions by the owner would be considered illegal discrimination?

  1. Refusing to provide a double room to a same-sex couple because of their sexual orientationAnswer
  2. B
    Declining a booking because the potential guests are active members of a specific political party
  3. C
    Charging a higher nightly rate to guests who work in the retail sector compared to those in the public sector
  4. D
    Refusing a booking because the guests do not have any previous reviews or references from other accommodation providers

Answer

Refusing to provide a double room to a same-sex couple because of their sexual orientation is illegal under the Equality Act 2010.
The Equality Act 2010 protects individuals from discrimination based on nine specific characteristics, one of which is sexual orientation. Refusing to provide a service, such as a hotel room, to a couple because they are same-sex is a direct violation of this law.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the legal framework being tested
The Equality Act 2010
This Act provides the legal protection against unfair treatment in the UK.
2
Recall the nine 'protected characteristics' listed in the Act
Age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation.
Only discrimination based on these specific characteristics is prohibited by the Act.
3
Evaluate the scenarios against the protected characteristics
Sexual orientation is a protected characteristic, while political affiliation, occupation, and lack of references are not.
To determine which action is unlawful, one must distinguish between legally protected traits and other personal attributes.

Key Concept

Protected Characteristics in Service Provision
Estimated Time:45s
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Topics

Freedom from Unfair Discrimination

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