641.This section sets out how the Act applies to Ministers, government departments and certain statutory bodies – collectively known as the Crown. The section does not affect the Sovereign in her private capacity.
642.This section replicates the effect of similar provisions in previous legislation. The principle is that the machinery of government, both elected and administrative, should be subject to the Act in the same way as everybody else, unless there are good reasons for it not being. The section also replicates the arrangements in the previous discrimination legislation for taking proceedings against the Crown.
A government department as employer must not discriminate against an employee because of race; just as any other employer is prohibited from doing so under the Act.