The Equality Act 2010 is the most significant overhaul of equality legislation in the UK. It aims to simplify and strengthen discrimination law. The Act consolidates and replaces most previous equality legislation with a single Act. It introduces new protected characteristics and definitions of discrimination. Key areas like employment, services and public functions, and education are covered. The implementation of the Act will take place gradually through 2013, with some provisions coming into force in October 2010 and others being rolled out later. Some aspects of the Act have already proved contentious.