Equality Bill

My Lords, I am glad to notice that the noble Lord, Lord Lester, has made an exception to his general policy not to legislate against ridiculous examples by seeking to do it here. These amendments are highly desirable; but is the position of those who take part in the programmes protected? I will not add to the ridiculous examples, but there was a case of someone taking part in a programme who was investigated by the police on the ground of what he had said by way of his religious views about a certain aspect of social life. The position of those who take part in a programme, as well as the authorities which produce the programme, requires to be clarified. This may protect them also, but I am not certain of that.