Combined discrimination - section 14 of the Equality Act 2010: a partial and redundant provision?

The 2008-09 Equality Bill was designed to consolidate the various pieces of anti-discrimination legislation applicable in Great Britain, simplify the language and, in some areas, strengthen the protection provided. The Bill finished its passage through both houses in the last days of the 2009/2010 Parliamentary session, receiving Royal Assent during Prorogation.1 During its passage it was significantly amended a number of times with one late government addition to the original Bill – the amendment being made toward the end of the Committee Stage in the Commons – being the inclusion of a combined discrimination provision.