Sir, - We note that much of the reporting and discourse on the Employment Equality Bill 96 has focused on the religious exemption clause in Section 37(1), and specifically on how this will impact on schools. The Equality Campaign is unhappy with the progress of this Bill to date as exemptions still remain in relation to age, disability, race, sexual orientation, marital or family status and membership of the traveller community.
Furthermore, it should be noted that the religious exemption enshrined in section 37(1) is not confined to institutions which have been established in order to engage solely in religious activity, but applies to all religious run institutions. The practical application of this legislation will effect a considerable number of employees, from hospital porters to caretakers in community centres to those seeking employment in these areas. The tax"paying public might consider that many religious run institutions such as our hospitals are almost entirely state funded and legislation has been proposed which, if enacted, may be used to discriminate against them.
The Equality Campaign will continue to seek amendments to this bill to ensure that the objective of eliminating discrimination and achieving equality in employment is realised. We call on the Minister for Equality and Law Reform, Mervyn Taylor and members of Dail Eireann to review and support our amendments to this Bill. - Yours, etc.,
Equality Campaign,
National Women's Council of
Ireland
32 Upper Fitzwilliam St.,
Dublin 2.