Discrimination laws enter first phase

Overhaul must be gradual says MHK

New laws aimed at tackling discrimination in the Island have come into force this month.

The first phase of the Equality Act - hailed by Tynwald as a landmark piece of legislation - became law on Monday (1 January).

It will take a further two years to fully implement the rules, which outlaw discrimination in all its forms.

Policy and Reform Minister Chris Thomas says it will bring the Island in line with the UK, which introduced similar laws decades ago.

However, he says it is being brought in gradually for a reason: