Government of Newfoundland and Labrador Country Resources Human Rights Legislation Newfoundland and Labrador 24 June 2010 Legislation/regulation

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The Declaration of Human Rights was signed by the General Assembly of the United Nations on December 10th, 1948 to encourage recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family. The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador believes in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. To reaffirm the Government's faith in fundamental human rights and in the dignity, worth, and equality of all people, the government introduced a Human Rights Code into law in this province in 1971.

The original Code established the Human Rights Commission and allowed for the regulation and promotion of all matters concerning human rights that fall within the competence of the province’s Legislature. In 2010, the province’s human rights legislation was updated to reflect changing times, to provide new protections, and to increase the efficiency of the complaints process of the Human Rights Commission; the new legislation is called the Human Rights Act. The new Act replaces the old Code in its entirety.

With certain exceptions, in the areas of provision of goods, services, accommodations or facilities, occupancy of commercial or dwelling units, employment, publications and contracts, the Act prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, nationality, ethnic origin, social origin, religious creed, religion, age, disability, disfigurement, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, family status, source of income and political opinion. However, it should be noted that a bona fide occupational qualification may be a significant factor in the consideration of a particular situation in the context of employment.

The Act prohibits a person who is in a position to confer, grant or deny a benefit or advancement from engaging in sexual solicitation or sexual advance where the person making the advance knows or ought reasonably to know that it is unwelcome.

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