Once the 1970 anti-discrimination law was on the statute book, individuals gained the right to challenge discriminatory practices. They used it to extend it by litigations, which widened the boundaries of the employment laws to include discrimination on the grounds of race or gender. They also sought and gained financial compensation from employers who failed to live up to their legal obligations. In 1993 a court case removed the ceiling on compensation awards in sex and race discrimination and thus made discrimination a costly business for employer. Within two years average award in sex discrimination cases had risen by 31% and in race discrimination cases by 63% (Equal Opportunity Review 1994 no 67 1996).
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