What is the right of equality?

What is right of equality?

Citizens equally have qualifications and enjoy rights.

Citizens equally enjoy rights and assume obligations.

Laws are equally applicable to all citizens.

Privilege outside the law is not allowed.

Equality of opportunity; essential equality; reasonable difference not excluded

Nature of the right of equality

The right of equality is a fundamental right of citizens, and at the same time it is a constitutional principle. Right of equality is different from other fundamental rights. The right of equality as a basic principle runs through the Constitution, and it is a kind of general right.

Effect of the right of equality

The right of equality constrains the activities of state organs and civil servants.

The right of equality constrains the work and life of citizens.

Relevant legal provisions

Equality of rights and obligation

Paragraph 4 of Article 33 of the Constitution provides that: “Every citizen is entitled to the rights and at the same time must perform the duties prescribed by the Constitution and the law.”

National equality

Paragraph 1 of Article 4 of the Constitution provides that: “All nationalities in the People's Republic of China are equal.”

Equality of men and women

Paragraph 1 of Article 48 of the Constitution provides that: “Women in the People's Republic of China enjoy equal rights with men in all spheres of life, in political, economic, cultural, social and family life.”

Equality of right to vote and right to stand for election

Article 34 of the Constitution provides that: “All citizens of the People's Republic of China who have reached the age of 18 have the right to vote and stand for election, regardless of ethnic status, race, sex, occupation, family background, religious belief, education, property status or length of residence, except persons deprived of political rights according to law.”

Equality of citizens who believe in, or do not believe in, any religion

Paragraph 1 of Article 36 of the Constitution provides that: “No state organ, public organization or individual may …. discriminate against citizens who believe in, or do not believe in, any religion.”