The Equality Act 2010 defines ‘race’ as including colour, nationality and ethnic or national origins.
Everyone has an ethnic origin but the protection from discrimination only applies where a person belongs to an ethnic group which regards itself and is regarded by others as a distinct and separate community because of certain characteristics. There are two essential characteristics which an ethnic group must have: a long-shared history and a cultural tradition of its own.
Gypsy/Travellers
The term Gypsy/Travellers refers to distinct groups of people including Roma, Romany Gypsies, Scottish and Irish Travellers who consider the travelling lifestyle part of their ethnic identity.
Muslim people
People sharing the Muslim faith belong to a specific ethnic group. Islamophobia is a type of racism towards people who identify, or are perceived, as Muslim.
Jewish people
People who share the Jewish faith belong to a specific ethnic group. Antisemitism is a form of racism against people who identify, or are perceived, as Jewish.
