Equality Act 2010: Code of Practice

Baroness Davies of Devonport Excerpts

Wednesday 3rd June 2026 Lords Chamber

[Lord Collins of Highbury (Lab)]

I think the noble Baroness knows my position. As I said at the beginning, the Equality Act is good law. The Gender Recognition Act is good law. The Supreme Court has made an interpretation in respect of single-sex spaces, which we should comply with. The Supreme Court ruling explicitly stated that trans people remain fully protected by the Equality Act from discrimination and harassment. We are proud of the Equality Act and have no plans to change it. We have had this incredibly toxic debate for some time. Let us now settle it once and for all and get back to understanding the needs of individuals rather than using them as a political football.

[Baroness Davies of Devonport (Con)]

My Lords, I have a very specific question. We are talking about not being able to challenge somebody who is a biological male. If there is a game of rugby, a women’s team turns up and they think there is a male on the other side, how on earth are they supposed to prevent themselves being in serious danger if they are not allowed to ask?

[Lord Collins of Highbury (Lab)]

You are not going to ask on the football pitch or the rugby pitch. In the code, there are respectful ways to ask certain questions. It is not done, as the noble Lord pointed out, by saying, “Well, you can’t go in that toilet”. Governing bodies have their rules and processes. The code is quite clear about how such things are done. I say to the noble Baroness: read the code and better understand its implications.

Single-sex Spaces: Equality and Human Rights Commission Guidance

Baroness Davies of Devonport Excerpts

Tuesday 14th April 2026 Lords Chamber

[Lord Collins of Highbury (Lab)]

Let me repeat what I have said to the noble Baroness on numerous occasions. The Supreme Court decision is absolutely clear, and we will ensure full compliance with it, but that does not mean that existing policies and procedures in place can be simply wiped away. They cover a range of issues, particularly in employment, and it is important that the Civil Service properly reviews those policies. Let me reassure the noble Baroness—I have responded to Written Questions, and I have responded to her before—that we are fully insistent that everyone should comply with the law. That is, and will continue to be, the Government’s position.

[Baroness Davies of Devonport (Con)]

My Lords, I draw attention to the fact that it has been a year since the Supreme Court ruling. We have recently had the Olympics say that protecting the female category is based on science. Sport England’s own report said that we cannot have the inclusion of men and fairness in women’s sport. It is not okay to protect 1% and say that 99% of women and girls in this country are not worthy of fair sport. Will the Minister please tell me why Sport England is still giving money to sports that are breaking the law?

[Lord Collins of Highbury (Lab)]

Everybody should comply with the law; that is the Government’s position. Organisations that have any doubt about this should properly consult lawyers. We are absolutely consistent: the Supreme Court judgment is clear and should be applied. I am not deviating from that position.