Question

To ask His Majesty's Government what guidance the Office for Equality and Opportunity, or its predecessors, has provided on the difference between (1) a political belief, and (2) a philosophical belief, for the purposes of the Equality Act 2010; and in what circumstances a political philosophy is considered to be a protected characteristic under that guidance.

Political opinion is not a protected characteristic in the Equality Act 2010. The Office for Equality and Opportunity, like its predecessors, does not provide guidance on matters not covered in equalities legislation. Guidance on religion and philosophical belief has been published by the Equality and Human Rights Commission and the subject also forms part of the Commission's statutory code of practice.