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Lord Collins of Highbury (Lab)

Speaking in the House of Lords on 3 June 2026

Debate

Equality Act 2010: Code of Practice

Contribution

We have to respect the judgment of the Supreme Court. It has interpreted the Equality Act, and I know that my noble friend—and I think everyone on this side of the House—is proud of the Equality Act and what it has achieved. We are absolutely determined to ensure that the rights that are given in the Equality Act that apply to trans people are properly maintained. She is absolutely right on that. But it is important that we have—my noble friend Lady Smith said it on Monday—a tradition in our country to respect people. There is a British way of doing things. The idea that someone will be challenged simply because of the way they are dressed or the way they look is not acceptable. Most of my trans friends happen to be trans men. The idea that a trans man will be challenged for going into the women’s toilet is another issue. We should be promoting common sense, dignity and respect in relation to this decision.

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