Amendments to the Equality (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2013 aimed at extending equality law protections to employees of State funded denominational institutions have been approved in the Oireachtas. The amendments will have the effect of repealing s.37 (1) of the Employment Equality Act 1998 which exempts the promotion of “certain religious values” from the legal definition of discrimination.
Previously, the ethos of religious institutions was prioritised and afforded greater protection than the employees of such institutions. Advocacy groups and unions had characterised the law as having had a “chilling effect” on gay and lesbian teachers and other employees. The extended equality protections will mean LGBT employees of Catholic institutions such as schools and hospitals which receive state funding no longer face the threat of discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation. It is also hoped the increased level of protection may also cover employees who are divorced or in cohabiting relationships.