Race Relations Act 1965
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| Citation | 1965 c 73 |
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| Dates | |
| Royal assent | 8 December 1965 |
| Other legislation | |
| Amended by | Race Relations Act 1968 |
| Repealed by | Race Relations Act 1976 |
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Status: Repealed
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The Race Relations Act 1965 was the first legislation in the United Kingdom to address racial discrimination.
The Act outlawed discrimination on the "grounds of colour, race, or ethnic or national origins" in public places.[1]
It also prompted the creation of The Race Relations Board (in 1966), to consider complaints under the Act.[1]
Contents
Reasons for the Act's introduction
The UK saw an influx of economic migrants after World War II, many from the Commonwealth countries. The Museum of London states that "casual ‘colour prejudice’ was part of daily life" for many.[2] In 1958, London saw the Notting Hill riots,[2] and in 1963 the Bristol Bus Boycott occurred.[3]
Outline
The Act made it a civil offence (rather than a criminal offence) to refuse to serve a person, to serve someone with unreasonable delay, or to overcharge, on the grounds of colour, race, or ethnic or national origins.
The first conviction under the act came in October 1967, when a 17-year-old member of the National Socialist Party was found guilty of racial discrimination at Middlesex Area Sessions.[1]
Limitations
The Act did not extend to Northern Ireland, and specifically excluded shops and private boarding houses.[1] It was "a weak piece of legislation"[4] and failed to end racial discrimination in the UK fully.[4]
Amendment and repeal
The Act was strengthened with the Race Relations Act 1968, which extended the legislation's remit to cover employment and housing. It was repealed by the Race Relations Act 1976, which saw the creation of the Commission for Racial Equality.[1]
See also
- UK employment discrimination law
- Charter v Race Relations Board [1973] AC 868
- Racism in the United Kingdom
Notes
References
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