Race group fights rights watchdog plan

The government has vowed to push ahead with plans to create a new equality and human rights superbody which will cover gays, despite fierce opposition from the Commission for Racial Equality.

Under government proposals, first announced in May, the new Commission for Equality and Human Rights will be formed by merging the CRE with other existing anti-discrimination bodies. It has already received the support of the Equal Opportunities Commission and Disability Rights Commission.

However, commissioners from the CRE have voted for an “unequivocal rejection” of the merger, fearing that the move, which it claims lacks support from ethnic minority communities, would lessen the impact of its work on racial integration.

CRE chair Trevor Phillips said: “As far as we are concerned, this is the wrong proposal at the wrong time.”

The creation of the CEHR has been welcomed by many since it would extend protection which already exists in areas such as race, disability and gender to the gay community, older people and religious groups.

Stonewall chief executive Ben Summerskill expressed disappointment at the CRE’s move, saying: “We’re convinced that a single body will be more effective at promoting equality for all than a whole range of individual organisations.

“We hope that the CRE will now consider the impact of its decision on other communities.”

Home secretary David Blunkett is adamant the CRE’s rejection will not be allowed to scupper the proposals.

He said: “Establishing the CEHR is an important part of our vision for a more cohesive society. I am committed to the CEHR including race, and we will continue to work closely with the CRE to address their concerns.”