Provision of goods and services

What does the Human Rights Act mean by provision of goods and services?

“Goods, facilities and services” includes facilities by way of banking, insurance, for grants, loans, credit or finance

What does the Human Rights Act say about the provision of goods and services?

It is unlawful for any person who supplies goods, facilities, or services to the public or to any section of the public:

  • to refuse or fail on demand to provide any other person with those goods, facilities, or services; or
  • to treat any other person less favourably in connection with the provision of those goods, facilities, or services than would otherwise be the case,

by reason of any of the prohibited grounds of discrimination.

Exceptions and the relevant ground of discrimination

There are a number of circumstances where it is not unlawful to discriminate in the provision of goods and services. These include:

  • Courses and counselling in personal matters.
  • Public decency or safety (eg public toilets).
  • Skill (sex).
  • Insurance (sex, disability or age).
  • Sport (sex, when participating in sport).
  • Travel services (age).
  • Reduced charges (age, disability or employment status).
Further Information

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