The Isle of Man is an equal society - that's the message Chief Minister Allan Bell is sending out ahead of a public consultation on proposed legislation.

What Mr Bell describes as a comprehensive new Equality Bill is being presented to the Council of Ministers at the end of this month. It will then go out for public consultation.

Mr Bell said he 'believed passionately' in the legislation, which he would personally take through the House of Keys. He said a pilot scheme to raise awareness of disability issues was under way and involved businesses and charities.

He told Tynwald this week: 'Disability is an equality issue and the consultation on the Equality Bill will contribute significantly to raising awareness of equality issues and to encouraging the widest possible range of views to be shared with Government.'


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