Question

To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, whether it is her Department's policy that organisations should await the publication of the Equality and Human Rights Commission Code of Practice guidance before changing their policies and practices following the Supreme Court judgement in the case of For Women Scotland v The Scottish Ministers of 16 April 2025.

The Government has set out our expectation that employers and other duty bearers follow the clarity the Supreme Court ruling provides. Where necessary, they should take appropriate specialist legal advice.

The EHRC have opened their consultation on the draft updated statutory Code of Practice, seeking views from affected stakeholders. We encourage people to ensure their views are heard by submitting a response to the consultation by Monday 30th June. We will consider the final draft Code once it has been submitted and are engaging with the EHRC to ensure it provides the further certainty and clarity service providers need, in line with the ruling.

Of course, we will continue to engage with a broad range of stakeholders on equalities issues as we have always done.