What are protected characteristics under the Equality Act?

The Equality Act 2010 brought together and updated a wide range of laws passed since the 1970s, to make things fairer for everyone. It sets out the personal characteristics that are protected by law, and behaviour which is unlawful.

Protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010 are:

  • Age
  • Disability
  • Gender reassignment
  • Marital or civil partnership status
  • Pregnancy and maternity
  • Race
  • Religion or belief
  • Sex
  • Sexual orientation

If a person is treated badly or unfairly because they belong to a group that is defined by a protected characteristic, this may be unlawful discrimination.  A legal case could be brought against the offender or offending party.

Next: what behaviour is unlawful?

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