Equality Bill [HL]

My Lords, I beg to move that the House do agree with the Commons in their Amendments Nos. 31 and 32. Clause 81 enables the Secretary of State to legislate to prohibit sexual orientation discrimination in Great Britain. The Government have already stated their intention to introduce regulations provided for in that clause next October. Clause 81 does not apply in Northern Ireland. Northern Ireland has its own long-established and detailed anti-discrimination framework, which is separate from the framework that applies to Great Britain. However, there is no reason to believe that discrimination on the ground of sexual orientation is any less invidious in Northern Ireland than in any other part of the United Kingdom. The Government consider that the people of Northern Ireland should not lack the protection from discrimination that is available throughout Great Britain. We also believe that such protection must be consistent with the broader framework of mechanisms that already exist in relation to anti-discrimination and equality law in Northern Ireland. Amendment No. 31 will ensure that protection from discrimination in Northern Ireland need be no less than it is elsewhere in the United Kingdom. Amendment No. 32 is a consequential amendment that extends the effect of the new clause inserted by Amendment No. 31 to Northern Ireland. Moved, That the House do agree with the Commons in their Amendments Nos. 31 and 32.—(Baroness Ashton of Upholland.)