Discrimination law shake-up blasted

Moves to stop mothers being thrown out of pubs and cafes for breastfeeding and outlawing rules making female club members "second class citizens" were among the changes proposed.

Communities Secretary Ruth Kelly said the Green Paper, designed to tidy up many years' worth of piecemeal laws, would provide a "clearer and more effective direction".

But disability rights groups and other critics warned that the consultation paper did not address many harder issues and represented a missed opportunity. They accused ministers of failing to act to enforce existing laws, close gaps or tackle issues such as the pay gap between men and women.

Interested parties have until September to contribute to drawing up the Single Equalities Bill promised by Labour in its 2005 general election manifesto.

However there were growing calls for a draft Bill to be published first to ensure Parliament has the maximum opportunity to scrutinise proposals before they become law. Under the proposals it would become illegal for private clubs to discriminate against women members - after attempts to enforce a voluntary ban proved ineffective.

Some golf clubs restrict the hours women can play or prevent them drinking at the bar and traditional Tory bastion the Carlton Club only grants women "half member" status.

There would be no bar however on all-male clubs or any that allowed members from just one group, which ministers said appeared "entirely legitimate".

Rights already enjoyed by Scottish mothers to breastfeed in public will be extended to England and Wales - amid fears many switched to bottled milk after being made to feel uncomfortable.

Rosie Dodds of the National Childbirth Trust (NCT) said as many as 16% of women had been asked to stop feeding in public, even in schools and health centres. "This leaves mothers feeling embarrassed, shocked and angry and it is time it stopped," she said.