Campaigners see little to celebrate

Friday 30 September 2022

Some of the most prominent campaigners behind the anti-discrimination say they aren't planning a celebration when the Prevent Discrimination (Guernsey) Ordinance is passed.

It's expected that the amended legislation will be approved by the States of Guernsey late this afternoon.

Debate today has focused on the controversial eighth amendment so far today.

That amendment lodged by Deputies Chris Blin and David De Lisle sought to exclude small businesses, with five or fewer employees, from having to comply with the legislation during a bedding in period. 

The debate this week was initially seen by members of the Guernsey Disability Alliance, Equality Guernsey, Liberate, the Guernsey Employment Trust, and other groups, as a celebration of many years campaigning for anti-discrimination legislation to be brought in.

For the GDA, Wednesday marked 15 years since the alliance was formed. 

GDA member Karen Blanchford had previously been planning to celebrate that occasion, but now has said she won't be.

I’ve been asked if there will be a celebration when the passes later tonight. I’m not organising anything, that part-the joy after 15 years-was removed when amendments were laid now & not last year. It was hoped Law would drive culture change - not if your listening to the debate

— Karen Blanchford (@blanchfordkgsy) September 30, 2022