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Proceeding contribution from Lord Lester of Herne Hill (Liberal Democrat) in the House of Lords on Wednesday, 13 January 2010. It occurred during Committee of the Whole House (HL) and Debate on bill on Equality Bill.

Equality Bill

Can the Minister confirm one thing? It is really important. She mentioned European equality law. I realise that she is not a lawyer, but would I be right in saying that if the words "because of" have the narrower meaning that the noble Baroness, Lady Warsi, is concerned about, it would violate EU equality legislation and therefore be invalid? In other words, the objective test, irrespective of motive or intent, is part of European equality law; and therefore the words "because of" must be interpreted, like the words "on the grounds of", in the way that they have been recently by our Supreme Court.

Secondary information

Type
Proceeding contribution
Reference
716 c526-7 
Session
2009-10
Chamber / Committee
House of Lords chamber
Subjects
Disability Age Conscientious objectors Employment Equality Homosexuality EU law Information Harassment Discrimination Holidays Older people Pupils Package holidays Visual impairment Schools Religion Tax allowances Sexuality Taxation Religious buildings Teenage pregnancy Atheism Philosophy Church of Scientology Humanism Transgender people Reasonable adjustments
Legislation
Equality Bill 2008-09 to 2009-10
Link
View this Proceeding contribution on www.publications.parliament.uk