Equality Law Protections Extended to Religious-Run Schools and Hospitals [Ireland]

Irish Legal News ^ | 12/4/15

[marshmallow]

The Oireachtas has approved legislation that extends equality law protections for LGBT teachers to schools and institutions run by the Catholic Church.

The Equality (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill, which has passed all legislative stages, scraps Section 37(1) of the Employment Equality Act, which exempts the promotion of "certain religious values" from the legal definition of discrimination.

The section applies to "religious, educational or medical" institutions which are "under the direction or control of a body established for religious purposes".

The move to amend the Act is principally aimed at protecting staff at denominational schools which receive state funding, though hospitals and other institutions are also affected.

[marshmallow]

For anyone wondering how a strongly religious culture can rapidly deteriorate into a hostile, anti-religious environment, as happened in Russia in the early 20th century, keep a close watch on Ireland.

[Albion Wilde]

I considered moving there a few years ago. Now this.