Explanatory Notes

Equality Act 2010

2010 CHAPTER 15

8 April 2010

Commentary on Sections

Part 16: General and Miscellaneous

Schedule 16: Associations: exceptions

Single characteristic associations: paragraph 1

Effect

905.This paragraph allows an association whose main purpose is to bring together people who share a particular characteristic (such as a particular nationality, sexual orientation or a particular disability) to continue to restrict membership to such people, and impose similar restrictions on those who can exercise the rights of an associate, or who can be invited as guests.

906.It is however unlawful for an association to restrict its membership to people of a particular colour.