The Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED) under s.149 Equality Act 2010 requires public authorities, in the exercise of their functions, to have “due regard” to the need to eliminate discrimination, harassment, victimisation and to advance equality of opportunity and to foster good relations between persons who share a relevant protected characteristic and persons who do not share it. One of the protected characteristics is “religion or belief”.

On 13 November 2014,  Leicester City Council passed a non-binding resolution concluding with the words:

“Therefore, Leicester City Council resolves, insofar as legal considerations allow, to boycott any produce originating from illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank until such time as it complies with international law and withdraws from Palestinian Occupied territories.

Furthermore, Leicester City Council continues the example of good community relationships by developing a sustainable city, promoting harmony and respect for all people to live in a neighbourly way.” Continue reading →