First reading in council today

The Island's first Equality Bill enters the parliamentary machine today (8 March), with a first reading in the Legislative Council.

It's been described by the government as a landmark piece of social legislation, establishing a new set of anti discrimination laws.

Citizens would gain new rights in employment and access to goods and services, irrespective of age, disability, gender, race, religion and sexual orientation.

Bills usually start their passage through Tynwald in the House of Keys - but the Equality Bill will go to LegCo first.

Chief Minister Allan Bell says this will prevent the bill 'dying' if it hasn't completed all scrutiny stages before September's general election: