Written question asked by Lord Reay (Conservative) on Tuesday, 22 October 2024, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 5 November 2024. It was answered by Lord Collins of Highbury (Labour) on Monday, 4 November 2024 on behalf of the Government Equalities Office.

Gender Recognition

Question: To ask His Majesty's Government, following the Financial Ombudsman Service decision of September in relation to MoneySuperMarket, what is the policy position of (1) the Office for Equality and Opportunity and (2) the Equality and Human Rights Commission on whether (a) gender identity and (b) non-binary status are protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010.

Answer: The Equality Act 2010 (‘the Act’) provides protection against discrimination, harassment and victimisation based on the following protected characteristics: age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation. The Government is proud of the Act and the rights and protections it affords, and we are committed to upholding this important piece of legislation. The Equality and Human Rights Commission is independent of the Government, therefore, we cannot speak on its behalf.

Secondary information