Amendments to the Human Rights Act 1981 represent “important steps” towards strengthening protections in Bermuda, the Human Rights Commission said.

A Bill tabled in the House of Assembly on Friday would remove an exception that can allows discriminatory treatment in housing-related circumstances.

If approved, it would also expand protections to include discrimination based on association and address discrimination over receiving government support.

Gaps were identified through the HRC’s work in education, advocacy and enforcement.

The commission noted it had “received reports of discriminatory treatment arising from association with individuals because of their race, colour, place of origin, religion, political opinions or criminal record”.

It said the extended protection would help ensure that those who advocate for, support, or maintain relationships with such groups are “not disadvantaged because of those associations”.

The HRC added that it had “long observed concerns relating to discrimination based on source of income, including circumstances involving financial assistance, disability benefits and other forms of government support”.

“Such discrimination can affect access to housing, goods, services and facilities. The proposed amendments will provide important protections for individuals who may otherwise be excluded or treated unfairly because of the lawful source of their income.”

The HRC added: “The commission believes these changes are necessary because they address real experiences and documented gaps in protection that have affected members of the Bermuda community.

“Human rights legislation should evolve to reflect the lived experiences of those facing discrimination.”