Equality and Human Rights Commission: Draft Updated Code of Practice

Lord Cashman Excerpts

Wednesday 5th November 2025 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Smith of Malvern (Lab)]

As part of the parliamentary process for implementing the new code, the previous code will be revoked, but I understand that the EHRC has asked the Government to revoke the previous code at this point. We are considering the benefits and risks of doing that.

[Lord Cashman (Non-Afl)]

My Lords, “proportionality” is the key word. The debate around trans people, and trans women in particular, has depicted them as a threat, particularly a threat to others. I therefore ask the Government not to act in haste but to proceed with care and, dare I say, kindness and caution to balance the rights of all concerned.

[Baroness Smith of Malvern (Lab)]

I recognise that, as my noble friend says, trans people are concerned about the implications of the recent Supreme Court ruling. As I have said, we are considering both that ruling and its implications carefully. However, we are clear, as was that ruling, that the laws to protect trans people from discrimination and harassment will remain in place. Trans people will still be protected on the basis of gender reassignment, a protected characteristic written into Labour’s Equality Act.