The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) for Wales has responded to a letter from the General Secretary of the Celtic League following discrimination against Welsh language speakers at a hotel in the north of Wales.
In the letter, the EHRC state that:
In terms of whether what the manager did is contrary to current legislation that is something that only a court of law would be able to determine?
The full text of the letter can be found below.
Dear Rhisiart Tal-e-bot
Thank you for your recent enquiry to the Equality & Human Rights Commission.
The Commission champions equality and human rights for all, working to eliminate discrimination, reduce inequality; and protect human rights, and to build good relations, ensuring that everyone has a fair chance to participate in society. The EHRC Helpline can provide advice and guidance on the UK Equality legislation, in relation to the strand of race, disability, gender, religion and belief, age, sexual orientation and transgender, as well as the Human Rights Act.
? The Helpline provides information, and offers initial advice and guidance to many different types of enquirers on areas regarding discrimination and human rights issues. Anything we say to you is not a statement of your legal position. This is because we cannot speak to the other party involved to get a full picture of the incident.
? However we do not offer legal advice, advocacy services or face-to-face meetings.
? The Helpline and the EHRC are not able to assist with Human Rights cases unless they also carry a discrimination strand i.e. disability, gender, sexual orientation, religion or belief, race and age.
? The Helpline does not act on your behalf to dispute a situation, unless we deem it a strategic case. Instead we offer you solutions; provide you with information on the related legislation and signpost you to suitable organisations.
If an individual who has experienced discrimination in the Carreg Mon Hotel approaches the helpline then we would be able to advise them if they have any rights under the Equality Act 2010.
In terms of whether what the manager did is contrary to current legislation that is something that only a court of law would be able to determine, however language alone is not a protected characteristic under the Equality Act 2010.
Unfortunately we are unable to provide advice on the Welsh Language (Wales) Measure 2011 and how it could change the situation as we only provide advice in relation to the equality Act 2010 and the Human Rights Act, however you may find the document on the following link to be useful:
You may also find this link useful:
You may also wish to contact the Welsh Language Board:
If you require any further information please get back in touch with the helpline.
Kind Regards
Links:
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This article written for Celtic News by Rhisiart Tal-e-bot General Secretary Celtic League. For follow-up comment or clarification contact:
Tel: 0044 (0)1209315884
M: 0044(0)7787318666
gensec@celticleague.net
J B Moffatt (Mr)
Director of Information
Celtic League
19/05/11
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