Equality Impact

14.The three anomalies have already been the subject of an equality impact assessment that accompanied the former draft Divorce Bill. In relation to the domestic violence provisions, the main section 75 group affected are same-sex cohabitees. Currently this group faces a disadvantage as they cannot apply for all the protections available under the 1998 Order. The proposed amendments will remedy this inequality. The other provisions in the Order have been screened as regards section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 and no differential impacts have been identified.