The aim of the legislation is to eliminate discrimination and promote equality of opportunity. It is, however, arguable that legislation can be effective in doing this, unless it is supported by the political will to succeed, which, at the very least, means that effective penalties must be provided. It also raises the question of whether the Acts address the causes of discrimination, in particular, stereotyping resulting in job segregation, which is not unlawful under the SDA 1975; whilst it is unlawful under the RRA 1976, the legislative control is not particularly effective. Some protection is also afforded to women, racial and ethnic groups by EC law.