Question

To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the reply by Lord Sharpe of Epsom on 30 November (HL Deb, col 1274), what is their interpretation of the term 'gender identity'.

The Equality Act 2010 provides protection against discrimination and unfair treatment on grounds of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation.

My noble friend was of course speaking more generally rather than in relation to specific legal rights. We are committed to upholding Britain’s long-standing record of protecting the rights of individuals against discrimination. The UK Government is committed to promoting equality for LGBT people at home and abroad and we continue to be recognised as one of the top 10 countries in Europe for LGBT rights. We are also clear that we want people who are transgender to be able to live their lives as they wish.