The Scotland Bill 2015 was introduced into Parliament on 28 May 2015.
The Bill will make the Scottish Parliament one of the world’s most powerful devolved parliaments and allow more decisions affecting Scotland to be taken in Scotland. It will increase the financial responsibility of the Scottish Parliament, and its accountability to the Scottish public.
Clause 32 of the Bill on ‘Equal Opportunities’ covers the implications for the Scottish Parliament’s competence to legislate on equalities.
Further information:
In June 2015, the Scottish Government suggested amendments to bring Bill in line with Smith Agreement.
In January 2015, the UK Government published draft legislation to give the Scottish Parliament more powers called Scotland in the United Kingdom: An enduring settlement.
On 27 November 2014 Lord Smith delivered an agreement reached unanimously between all five main Scottish political parties on more powers for the Scottish Parliament. The Smith Report states that:
The Equality Act 2010 will remain reserved. The powers of the Scottish Parliament will include, but not be limited to, the introduction of gender quotas in respect of public bodies in Scotland. The Scottish Parliament can legislate in relation to socio-economic rights in devolved areas.