Legislation
Race Relation Act 2000 in force
The Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000 came into force on 2 April 2001. The Act fulfils a key recommendation of the Stephen Lawrence Inquiry- that the full force of race relations legislation should apply to the police.
The Act also outlaws race discrimination – direct, indirect and victimisation – in public functions not previously covered by the Race Relations Act 1976. It will apply to, among others, prisons, probation, immigration and customs and excise.
The Act also places listed public bodies under a statutory duty to promote race equality in carrying out their functions.
Specific duties to promote race equality will be introduced in July 2001 following a public consultation process which ended on 15 May 2001. Following this it is expected that statutory codes of practice should be available to provide practical help and guidance to public bodies on how to meet their obligations.
For further information about the Act visit the Home Office website at the Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000
Last update: 18/08/03