To what extent has the 2010 Equality Act improved people’s lives and advanced a positive, inclusive climate?
What more needs to be done to ensure that people with disabilities and differences can play a full part in society?
These are the questions that will be explored at the next of Stroud District Green Party’s Cloud Café online debates, on Wednesday November 9 from 7.30pm to 9pm.
Following the speakers there will be an opportunity for audience questions and debate.
Everyone is welcome to join this free online discussion and debate. Register here to attend or to receive a recording to watch another time.
Elizabeth Lee, organiser of the event, said: “The Equality Act aimed to protect people against discrimination because of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation.
“Under the Equality Act you are protected from discrimination in the workplace, using public services like healthcare or education, using businesses and other organisations (like shops, restaurants, and cinemas), transport, clubs or associations and when you have contact with public bodies like your local council or government departments.
“The Act should also have changed attitudes, setting up the expectation that equality is the norm. Supermarkets and theatres, for example, now have autistic-friendly days. But more needs to be done to ensure that people with disabilities and differences can play a full part in society.”
The speakers
Mags Lewis, Green Party national spokesperson for Disability and Diversity.
Mags joined the Green Party in 2007. She had to take ill health retirement from the NHS in 2014, after serious relapses in her MS. A local activist for Green and disability issues, she has stood for national office, been elected mayor and will be standing in the 2023 local elections.
Dzaier Neil, convenor of the Green Party’s Disability Committee.
Dzaier has campaigned for social and environmental justice for many years, with the rights of disabled people and people of colour being of particular interest. She has had a successful career as a social worker and, as a Paralympian, has represented her country many times across two sports, and has won two golds, two silver and two bronze medals.
She will focus on the outcomes and consequences of the 2010 Equality Act, arguing that in some ways it has both helped and hindered disabled people.
Photo by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash