Large Majority in Britain Endorses Equality Act Provision
Most respondents would extend the law’s reach to include physical appearance and body weight as “protected” characteristics.
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(07/02/12) -
Two years after its full implementation, the Equality Act is supported by a wide majority of Britons, a new Angus Reid Public Opinion poll has found.
In the online survey of a representative sample of 2,026 British adults, 84 per cent of respondents agree with the provision, which makes it illegal to harass, victimize or discriminate against anyone on the basis of specific “protected” characteristics, such as their race, gender, sexual orientation, age or disability.
Only 10 per cent of Britons disagree with the Equality Act, while six per cent are undecided.
Earlier this year, the All Party Parliamentary Group on Body Image (APPG) published a report called “Reflections of Body Image.” The APPG recommended a review of the frequency of appearance-based discrimination in the UK, which may ultimately entail an amendment of the Equality Act.
Two thirds of respondents (66%) believe the Equality Act should be amended so that people cannot be harassed, vicitimised or discriminated against on the basis of their physical appearance. A majority (57%) would also move to end discrimination based on body weight.
Download Full Methodology Statement
Full Report, Detailed Tables and Methodology (PDF)
CONTACT:
Mario Canseco, Vice President, Angus Reid Public Opinion
+877 730 3570
mario.canseco@angus-reid.com
Methodology: From June 7 to June 9, 2012, Angus Reid Public Opinion conducted an online survey among 2,026 randomly selected British adults who are Springboard UK panelists. The margin of error—which measures sampling variability—is +/- 2.2%. The results have been statistically weighted according to the most current education, age, gender and region data to ensure samples representative of the entire adult population of Great Britain. Discrepancies in or between totals are due to rounding.
