ABSTRACT
There are three exceptions from the section concerning the provision of goods, facilities and services which closely mirror the defence of genuine occupational qualification for employment. Under s 34 of the SDA 1975, voluntary bodies may restrict their membership to persons of one sex only, and may likewise restrict the benefits or facilities which they provide. This provision is needed because many such bodies may cast their net sufficiently wide that their benefits are conferred upon a section of the public. For example, a centre for victims of female domestic violence is permitted to restrict employment to women under s 7(2)(e) of the SDA 1975 and may, under this provision, restrict its benefits to women.
