Petition · past parliament

Make physical appearance a protected characteristic.

Closed 38 signatures

What the petition asks

People feel victimised by an unjust decision to restrict their identity. Having their own hair style and colour makes people feel more comfortable in society, this can make people feel more comfortable with themselves. This should be accepted to give everyone an equal opportunity to be themselves.
In schools, teachers try to dictate hair colour and style. Article 10 of the Human Rights Act states that students should be able to express themselves and make them feel identified without the interference from the authority (teachers being the authority in schools). Also, the same idea applies in article 14. This article was created to try and allow everyone to have equal opportunities for something they may otherwise be judged upon. So why doesn't Article 14 protect physical appearance? All other protected characteristics are things that make people feel more accepted in society because in the past they were not as widely accepted. People should not change the way they look from a style that makes them feel comfortable with themselves, so don't make them.

Timeline

22 Nov 2016 Petition opened for signatures
2 May 2017 Closed to new signatures

Key facts

Signatures 38
Status Closed
Opened 22 Nov 2016
Closed 2 May 2017

Follow this petition

Sign in to get an email when the government responds, a debate is scheduled or held, or the petition closes.

Source: the official petition page. Last checked 15 Jul 2026.