There is a provision that makes it clear that Human Rights prevail in regulatory matters:
Void regulationThis seems to relate to a principle in United Kingdom law that general words in an Act cannot violate fundamental human rights. It's a good idea that is seldom, if ever considered.
10 (1) Where, in a regulation made pursuant to an enactment, there is a reference to a characteristic referred to in clauses (h) to (v) {gender, race, disability, etc.} of subsection (1) of Section 5 that appears to restrict the rights or privileges of an individual or a class of individuals to whom the reference applies, the reference and all parts of the regulation dependent on the reference are void and of no legal effect.
A prime example is the Building Code. There is an entire section, Schedule C, dealing with accessibility requirements. The grandfathering allowances for size, change-of-use, and age of the building contravene Section 10 of the Human Rights Act and are therefore void.
So all that made up stuff allowing buildings under 100 square meters to be forever inaccessible isn't legal!
I'm not sure many are aware of Section 10, but we're entitled to know why government just winks at violations.
Schedule C does, in fact, "restrict the rights or privileges of an individual or a class of individuals to whom the reference applies". The Building Code is a lengthy regulation that references people with disabilities and ends up inventing ways to discriminate against them. I don't see any ambiguity, nor do I see any awareness of Section 10, and certainly no inclination to enforce it.
Other regulations, from minimum wage to day care and education do not pass the requirements of Section 10. Any regulation allowing paratransit should be scrutinized - Access-a-Bus is a poor substitute for public transportation, and restricts such diverse rights as freedom to live in certain places, health, employment and education.
Why is this important anti-discrimination provision never considered, let alone enforced? It's a very good principle, and should be carefully observed.
Other regulations, from minimum wage to day care and education do not pass the requirements of Section 10. Any regulation allowing paratransit should be scrutinized - Access-a-Bus is a poor substitute for public transportation, and restricts such diverse rights as freedom to live in certain places, health, employment and education.
Why is this important anti-discrimination provision never considered, let alone enforced? It's a very good principle, and should be carefully observed.
I'm not sure many are aware of Section 10, but we're entitled to know why government just winks at violations.
Gus Reed
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