Views sought on making age discrimination illegal

People are being asked their views on the second phase of the anti-discrimination law

The States has asked islanders for their views on whether to extend Guernsey's anti-discrimination law to include protections against age discrimination.

Guernsey introduced an anti-discrimination law in 2023, making it illegal to discriminate on the grounds of disability, carer status, race, religion or belief, and sexual orientation.

The Committee for Employment and Social Security (ESS) said the next phase of the legal changes were to provide protection from discrimination, harassment and victimisation on the grounds of age.

It said it was asking islanders and organisations who represent employees, educators and landlords for their views.

'Practical protections'

Deputy Lindsay de Sausmarez, ESS vice-president, said: "Age, as a protected ground, is in some ways different to other protected grounds covered by the legislation.

"That means that specific policy considerations are required to make sure that appropriate and practical protections are in place, while ensuring that legislation only prohibits genuinely harmful treatment.

"We are hopeful that stakeholders will engage with this process and are grateful for their time and input."

The committee said the consultation period would close on 30 September, after which it would consider the responses and agree on its final policy proposals.

It said a possible "reframing" of the sex discrimination ordinance could be incorporated into the anti-discrimination law "later this year".

A policy letter of its final proposal would go before the States before the end of the term of government in June 2025, it said.