Meeting of the Parliament 19 June 2025
As I said a moment ago, notwithstanding the fact that we are politicians who are elected by the chamber to represent the interests of Parliament and colleagues, it is the corporate body’s responsibility to fulfil its legal obligations as an employer, service provider and workplace provider, and as an organisation that is subject to the public sector equality duty.
Recognising that the Supreme Court’s judgment had immediate legal effect—which I understand was confirmed again to members in a briefing this morning—officials took urgent steps following its publication to review the judgment in detail and consider its implications for services and facilities at Holyrood. That is in line with the EHRC’s statement that
“Those with duties under the Equality Act must comply with the law and should be urgently reviewing what changes need to be made to their existing policies and practices.”
It is for others to determine how they address their own responsibilities.