The Equality Act

Let me offer you the following not-so-hypothetical scenarios:

1) A woman is raped and goes for help to a rape crisis centre. “Sorry,” says the warden, “but you’re a butch lesbian. Some of the other women using this centre might feel uncomfortable if I let you in. Go away.”

Is the warden acting legally, or illegally?

2) A woman walks into a hair salon and tries to make an appointment. “Sorry,” says the proprietor, “but you’re Muslim. Many of my clients are Islamophobes, and if I let you in I’ll lose business.”

Is the proprietor acting legally, or illegally?

3) A man with a prosthetic leg applies to join a men’s gym. “Sorry,” says the gym owner, “but some of my customers are icked out by people with disabilities. I can’t let you join.”

Is the owner acting legally, or illegally?

( Answers under the cut )

The Equality Act

Let me offer you the following not-so-hypothetical scenarios:

1) A woman is raped and goes for help to a rape crisis centre. “Sorry,” says the warden, “but you’re a butch lesbian. Some of the other women using this centre might feel uncomfortable if I let you in. Go away.”

Is the warden acting legally, or illegally?

2) A woman walks into a hair salon and tries to make an appointment. “Sorry,” says the proprietor, “but you’re Muslim. Many of my clients are Islamophobes, and if I let you in I’ll lose business.”

Is the proprietor acting legally, or illegally?

3) A man with a prosthetic leg applies to join a men’s gym. “Sorry,” says the gym owner, “but some of my customers are icked out by people with disabilities. I can’t let you join.”

Is the owner acting legally, or illegally?

( Answers under the cut )