The Bishop of Manchester asked a question on the importance of ensuring any draft code of practice on single sex spaces reflect compassion, respect, and kindness as well as legal clarity, during a discussion on the EHRC guidance on single-spaces on 2nd February 2026:
The Lord Bishop of Manchester: My Lords, perhaps this is a very obvious question to come from a bishop, but these are matters that affect people’s sense of dignity, their identity, belonging and everyday lives. Can the Minister say how the Government are ensuring that, alongside legal clarity, the approach taken in considering this draft code reflects compassion, respect and kindness towards all those affected, so that the guidance not only supports compliance but will encourage a much-needed culture of mutual understanding?
Lord Collins of Highbury (Lab, Deputy Leader of the HoL): The right reverend Prelate could not have said it better and I strongly believe that. It is really important that we understand that the duties of the Equality Act reflect a duty on us all and apply to all the characteristics. But the Supreme Court judgment is very clear; we have to apply it, and we are determined to do so. That is why it is important that we have a code that can stand any robust challenge.
The Church of England in Parliament 
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