No more ‘no Travellers’ rules

The Equality & Human Rights Commission challenged the owners of Kings Green Caravan Park in Port William, Galloway to remove racially discriminatory signage as it does not comply with the Equality Act 2010.  The site had stated ‘No trading/traders or Travellers allowed on site’ on their website and in leaflets.

Commenting on the case Lynn Welsh, Head of Legal in Scotland for the EHRC, said:

‘We are pleased Port William Community Association accepted that the rule is discriminatory and agreed immediately to remove it. This type of rule has been unlawful since 1968, so there really is no excuse for it appearing these days.

‘Part of the reason for the introduction of the 1968 Race Relations Act was to remove “No Blacks, no Irish, no dogs” signs that were often displayed in bed and breakfasts, guest houses and pubs at the time. These days we really only see them in relation to Gypsy/Travellers.

‘We know that Scottish Gypsy/Travellers face many forms of discrimination and social exclusion. They have the poorest health of any ethnic minority group in Scotland, and have high levels of poverty and amongst the lowest levels of educational attainment.

‘This rule just acts as a reminder to the community that there are still too many places in Scotland where they are simply not welcome.’

You can read more about this case here: https://www.equalityhumanrights.com/en/our-work/news/no-travellers-rule-no-more