Race Relations Act 1965

The Race Relations Act 1965 was the first piece of legislation in the UK to address the prohibition of racial discrimination.

This act outlawed discrimination in public places and banned racial discrimination in public places and made the promotion of hatred on the grounds of ‘colour, race, or ethnic or national origins' an offence.

It was criticized for failing to address vital areas where discrimination was most prevalent, namely employment and wider aspects of acquiring accommodation. It established the Race Relations Board with responsibility for conciliation of discrimination complaints.