Non-Discrimination Act in Finland – Explained in Simple Terms
What Is the Non-Discrimination Act?
The Non-Discrimination Act is a law in Finland that promotes equality and prevents unfair treatment. Its goal is to ensure everyone has equal opportunities and is protected from discrimination based on race, age, disability, gender, or religion.
Key Points of the Law
Here are the main things the law covers:
1. Protected Groups – The law prohibits discrimination based on:
- Age
- Ethnic or national origin
- Nationality
- Language
- Religion
- Beliefs
- Opinion
- Health
- Disability
- Sexual orientation
- Gender identity
2. Areas Covered – The law applies to many parts of life, including:
- Work and employment
- Education and training
- Social and healthcare services
- Housing
3. Duty to Promote Equality – Employers, schools, and service providers must actively work to prevent discrimination and promote equal treatment.
4. Harassment and Victimisation – The law also bans bullying, harassment, or unfair treatment of people who report discrimination.
5. Reasonable Accommodations – Employers and service providers must make necessary adjustments (like accessibility improvements) to ensure people with disabilities are not excluded.
Important Dates
- The law was enacted in 2014 and has been updated to strengthen protections.
- Organizations that fall within the law's scope (e.g., employers and service providers) must comply with it as soon as possible.
Where Does This Information Come From?
This explanation is based on the official Non-Discrimination Act (1325/2014) document. You can read the full law here:
https://www.finlex.fi/fi/laki/kaannokset/2014/en20141325.pdf