Equality Act 2010: Code of Practice

Baroness Hunt of Bethnal Green Excerpts

Wednesday 3rd June 2026 Lords Chamber

[Lord Collins of Highbury (Lab)]

I am not sure I fully understand. I hope the noble Baroness is agreeing with me that we will take a common-sense, British way. I have been in a theatre when there has been a very short intermission, the gents’ toilet is empty, I have encouraged women to use it and they have. That is a common-sense approach. When it comes to toilets, we know exactly how to behave.

[Baroness Hunt of Bethnal Green (CB)]

My Lords, I thank the Minister for his tone and approach—

[Baroness Falkner of Margravine (CB)]

My Lords—

[Lord Leong (Lab)]

We will hear from the noble Baroness, Lady Hunt.

[Baroness Hunt of Bethnal Green (CB)]

We have loads of time; it is all going to be okay.

I thank the Minister for his approach and response to these questions. It has been 12 months of trying to clarify the code and clarify the interpretation from the Supreme Court. I am seeing a significant degree of confusion about how the law will be implemented and how the code is to be interpreted. There is almost an accepted assumption that these things will be tested through litigation and case law. A number of small organisations, as the noble Lord, Lord Scriven, referred to, are worried about being litigated against, and trans people are worried about being shouted at. It is our job to create good law. Does the noble Lord think we are now in a position where we can say that we have created good law and can stand by it?

[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.