race-relations acts

UK acts of Parliament of 1965, 1968, and 1976 to combat discrimination. The Race Relations Act of 1976 prohibits discrimination on the grounds of colour, race, nationality, or ethnic origin. Indirect as well as direct discrimination is prohibited in the provision of goods, services, facilities, employment, accommodation, and advertisements. The Commission for Racial Equality was set up under the act to investigate complaints of discrimination.

The Race Relations Act of 1965 set up the Race Relations Board to encourage racial harmony, prevent racial discrimination, and deal with complaints. It made stirring up racial hatred or practising discrimination in a public place illegal. The Race Relations Act 1968 increased the powers of the Race Relations Board, who were enabled to make their own investigations. Discrimination in housing and employment was made illegal. The act also set up the Community Relations Commission.