Protected Characteristics
‘So God created humanity in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.' Genesis 1:27
The dignity of the human person is central to the life and the teaching of Catholic Church, and this is foundational to any policies or teaching on the protected characteristics.
In school, we follow Ten: Ten's 'Life to the Full Plus' Catholic RHE and PSHE curriculum. This is an holistic approach to an education which eliminates discrimination, advances equality and fosters good relations between people who share a relevant protected characteristic and those who do not.
Relationships and Health Education (RHE) is compulsory for all primary school pupils.
In UK law, individuals are protected under the Equality Act 2010 from these types of discrimination.
Age
A person belonging to a particular age (for example 32 year olds) or range of ages (for example 18 to 30 year olds).
Disability
A person has a disability if she or he has a physical or mental impairment which has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on that person's ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities.
Gender reassignment
The process of changing one's gender presentation or sex characteristics to accord with one's internal sense of gender identity.
Marriage and civil partnership
Marriage is a union between a man and a woman or between a same-sex couple. - Same-sex and opposite-sex couples can also have their relationships legally recognised as 'civil partnerships'. Civil partners must not be treated less favourably than married couples (except where permitted by the Equality Act).
Pregnancy and maternity
Pregnancy is the condition of being pregnant or expecting a baby. Maternity refers to the period after the birth, and is linked to maternity leave in the employment context. In the non-work context, protection against maternity discrimination is for 26 weeks after giving birth, and this includes treating a woman unfavourably because she is breastfeeding.
Race
Refers to the protected characteristic of race. It refers to a group of people defined by their race, colour, and nationality (including citizenship) ethnic or national origins.
Religion and belief
Religion refers to any religion, including a lack of religion. Belief refers to any religious or philosophical belief and includes a lack of belief. Generally, a belief should affect your life choices or the way you live for it to be included in the definition.
Sex
A man or a woman.
Sexual orientation
Whether a person's sexual attraction is towards their own sex, the opposite sex or to both sexes.