EHRC guidance on the Marriage (Same Sex Couple) Act

The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has published guidance on the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act 2013. Are you clear on the impact of this Act in your organisation? For example:

• How does the right to freedom of expression, including the expression of religious and other beliefs apply when teaching?
• Does the Act protect freedom of expression, including freedom to express religious or other beliefs?
• Can schools and colleges with a religious character teach about marriage following the organisation’s religious ethos? 

New guidance from the EHRC explains the practical implications of the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act 2013. The guidance is accompanied by a ‘quick guide’ and covers 5 main areas: the law; public authorities; the workplace and service delivery; religious organisations; and education. The guide includes brief answers to frequently asked questions, including: 

• Does the Act protect freedom of expression, including freedom to express religious or other beliefs?
• As an employee, can I express my belief or opinion about marriage of same sex couples, either for or against, at work or outside of work without risk of being disciplined by my employer?
• Can schools (and colleges) with a religious character teach about marriage following the school's religious ethos?
• How does the right to freedom of expression, including the expression of religious and other beliefs apply when teaching? 

To read the guidance, click here

To read the quick guide, click here