University of St Andrews

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Equality Strands/Groups

This is the term given to represent different equality groups/communities in equal opportunities law. 

The Equality Act (2010) replaced these terms to be known as ‘Protected Characteristics/Groups’:

• Age
• Disability
• Gender Reassignment
• Marriage and Civil partnership
• Pregnancy and Maternity (including Paternity)
• Race (colour, ethnic or national background)
• Religion or Belief (including non-belief)
• Sex/Gender
• Sexual Orientation
• Carers (an equality/protected group)