Equality Act (Sexual Orientation) Regulations 2007

My Lords, there is only one speaker from these Benches and it is important that I deal with all the points. I will not be intimidated by moans and groans. As regards the risk of litigation, which hasbeen mentioned, or the fact that judicial review proceedings are pending in Northern Ireland, it is the fundamental right of everyone to have access to the courts. Great, rich, powerful, political organisations such as SPUC use that right all the time to challenge regulations, as is their right; to challenge primary legislation, as is their right. The fact that they do so is no reason for blocking the regulations. The fact that judicial review proceedings are pending in Northern Ireland is, again, no reason to do so. It was suggested by the noble Earl, Lord Ferrers, and the noble Viscount, Lord Bledisloe, that there is a risk of prosecution under the regulations. That is not right. They create civil rights and obligations; they are not criminal. For all those reasons, I commend the regulations.