Equality Bill

I am sorry to mention this now, but I do so so that one can think about it later. Going back to the point which the right reverend Prelate rightly raised, the real problem arises in Clause 26(1)(b) with the word "or". The problem is that when the Government implemented EU law, their gold-plating was such that, whereas EU law allowed them to say "and" in the employment field, they said "or". The problem with saying "or" is that it means that there is harassment if, ""the conduct has the purpose or effect of … violating B’s dignity, or"," rather than "violating B’s dignity, and" creating an intimidating, et cetera, environment. The result of "violating B’s dignity" alone giving rise to harassment is that it gives rise to all the problems, to which the right reverend Prelate referred, of zealots who are unduly sensitive, and so on. I would wish to turn the clock back, if one can, and put in "and", both in employment and beyond. I know that officials know that that is my position, but I have not tabled an amendment.