The Equality and Human Rights Commision has published their report “ Is Scotland Fairer? The State Of Equality and Human Rights 2015” The Equality and Human Rights Commission promotes and enforces the laws that protect our rights to fairness, dignity and respect.

Protected Characteristics under the Equality Act 2010 are:

Age
Disability
Gender Reassignment
Marriage and Civil Partnership
Pregnancy and Maternity
Race
Religion or Belief
Sex
Sexual Orientation

The Equality and Human Rights Commission found that while progress had been made in some areas, discrimination had increased in others.

Educational attainment had improved , more people had a qualification and there were fewer exclusions from school.

Bullying is a particular issue for young people with a protected characteristic including children and young people who are disabled or lesbian, gay ,bisexual or transgender.

Homelessness fell and there were fewer people in temporay accommodation.

Modern Apprenticeships showed clear gender segregation and there were low levels of access for ethnic minorities and disabled young people.

The suicide rate decreased between 2008 and 2013 but there was an increase in the proportion of people between 25 and 34 who were at risk of poor mental health.

Fewer people reported violent crime, sexual violence or domestic violence. However the police-reported that the incidence of hate crime in relation to disability and sexual orientation increased.

The full report can be found on the Equality and Human Rights Commission website