Equality Act

UK legislation that consolidates and strengthens anti-discrimination law across nine protected characteristics including disability. The Act prohibits direct and indirect discrimination in services, public functions, premises, work, education, and associations. For disability specifically, it creates additional protections: the duty to make reasonable adjustments, protection from discrimination arising from disability, and asymmetric treatment allowing organizations to favor disabled people. The Act applies to both human and automated decision-making, meaning organizations using AI systems remain liable for discriminatory outcomes. The Public Sector Equality Duty requires public authorities to actively advance equality rather than merely avoid discrimination.