The gender duty came into legal force on 6th April 2007. The law protects men, women and transgender people. All public authorities are to develop their gender equality schemes and action plans, which are to be decided in consultation with stakeholders.
Protection for transgender people was different to men and women who were born male and female and who live as men and women. The rights of transgender people are given effect by the Gender Recognition Act 2004. Transgender people are protected in law by the SDA against discrimination in employment and vocational training. This protection is in the SDA by the implementation of the Goods and Services Directive 2004/113, which came into effect from 21 December 2007. It means that public authorities are also under a duty to have due regard to the general duty on grounds of gender re-assignment in the provision of goods and services.
Relevant legislation
- Sex Discrimination Act 1975
- Human Rights Act 1998
- Gender Recognition Act 2004
- Employment Equality (Sex Discrimination) Regulations 2005
- Equality Act 2006
- The Equality Bill - Framework for a Fairer Future 2008
What does gender cover?
This is primarily but not exclusively around closing the gap between women and men. Individuals have different life chances based on a number of factors, one of which is gender. Men, for example, are more likely to die sooner, and to suffer from heart disease. Women earn proportionately less than men, are more likely to have caring responsibilities, and are more likely to experience mental illness. Gender is one of a multitude of factors, and it is important not to see it in isolation: gender is an issue if an individual is old or young, if they are disabled, or if they are from a minority community. The extent of public authorities' understanding and knowledge of gender discrimination and the ways in which they are addressing and planning to overcome it, will impact on the quality of life of men, women and transgender people living and working locally.