Equality Act 2010: ROTA looks forward to a new era of equality

Press Release: 12 April 2010

Race on the Agenda and the Winning the Race Coalition welcome the Equality Act 2010 which has now received Royal Assent.

Dr Theo Gavrielides, Chief Executive of ROTA said: "Over the last year and a half, we have worked with the members of the Winning the Race Coalition to ensure that our communities are represented and their views are included in the democratic process of passing laws in our country. Despite several amendments, I continue to believe that we are entering a new era of equality. Like any tool, the question now is what we do with it.

"I also continue to believe that this is not the time for conspiracy theories, unsubstantiated claims, power-interest battles and personality clashes. There is still a long way to go in finalising the details of the legislation including the Codes and Guidance. This is the time for evidence-based policy.

"We believe that the Bill has the potential to enhance protection against discrimination of Black, Asian and minority ethnic individuals who are no longer going to be seen or protected in a single dimensional way."

Ends.

Notes to Editors

1. Race on the Agenda (ROTA) is one of the UK's leading social policy think tanks focusing on race equality and issues that affect Black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) communities.
    
2. In February 2009, ROTA formed a national coalition of equality organisations to influence and inform the Single Equality Bill and increase awareness around it and other equality and race equality legislation.

   The Coalition was set up with the support of other Black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) organisations such as Voice4Change England and the Runnymede Trust. The Coalition sits within ROTA which is its accountable body. 

   The activities of the Winning the Race Coalition are scrutinised by the Coalition Action Group, members of which are: BECON, MENTER, Voice4Change England, the Runnymede Trust, the Federation of Irish Societies, Equanomics and BSWN. The full list of members and stakeholders of the Winning the Race Coalition is available here.
    

3. For further information, please contact Liz Carr, Marketing and Communications Officer on 020 7902 1949