King's Speech 2024: Key Equality and Human Rights Initiatives Announced

The King's Speech, given on 17 July 2024, introduced important new laws aimed at improving equality and human rights in the UK. Key proposals included the Draft Equality (Race and Disability) Bill and a new law to ban conversion practices. These proposals have received strong support from the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC).

The Draft Equality (Race and Disability) Bill is designed to tackle discrimination and provide stronger protections for people based on their race and disability. This bill is seen as an essential step towards making society fairer and more inclusive.

Another significant proposal is the bill to ban conversion practices, which aims to protect people from attempts to change their sexual orientation or gender identity. The EHRC has been a strong advocate for this ban, emphasising the need for protection while ensuring religious freedom and the availability of appropriate care.

The EHRC responded positively to the King's Speech. An EHRC spokesperson said, “The EHRC welcomes some of the positive developments for equality and human rights included in the King’s Speech yesterday. We look forward to receiving more detail on the Draft Equality (Race and Disability) Bill and will consider it carefully.”

Regarding the ban on conversion practices, the spokesperson added, “We are pleased to see the draft bill to ban conversion practices was included. The EHRC has been calling for the introduction of a carefully considered ban that introduces vital protections for people with the protected characteristics of sexual orientation and gender reassignment without impacting religious freedom or the provision of appropriate support and care.”

The EHRC also emphasized their role in helping shape these new laws. “We stand ready to provide government and Parliament with advice as the detail of all the proposed legislation is developed,” the spokesperson noted.

The King's Speech has set the stage for important changes in equality and human rights, with the EHRC ready to play a key role in developing these laws. The proposed bills show a strong commitment to creating a society where everyone is protected and has equal opportunities.

For more information, you can read the full details of the King's Speech and the EHRC's response on their official website.