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Women: Northern Ireland

Asked by Tonia AntoniazziLabourNorthern Ireland OfficeTabled Answered 16 July 2025UIN 65838

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the Supreme Court ruling in the case of For Women Scotland v The Scottish Ministers of 16 April 2025 on Northern Ireland.

Answered by Hilary Benn

Equal opportunities and anti-discrimination law remain devolved matters in Northern Ireland, and the Equality Act 2010 does not apply in Northern Ireland (save in some very limited areas).

We expect those affected by the Supreme Court judgment in the ‘For Women Scotland’ case to comply with this ruling, together with any other relevant legislation and guidance. As they always have, courts across the UK should continue to give full and proper regard to the jurisprudence from higher courts.

As equalities is transferred, whether the Executive chooses to implement policies or legislation to respond to the judgment remains a matter for the Executive.

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