Reform UK plans to scrap Equality Act, raising fears for LGBTQ+ protections

Reform UK has come under criticism after Suella Braverman, the party’s newly appointed education, skills and equalities spokesperson, announced that a Reform government would repeal the Equality Act on its first day in office. Braverman made the pledge during a press conference in London as party leader Nigel Farage unveiled his front‑bench team. 

Braverman, who defected from the Conservative Party last month, argued that Britain is being “ripped apart by diversity, equality and inclusion policies”. She described the Equality Act’s system of protected characteristics - including gender reassignment and sexual orientation - as “pernicious” and “divisive”.

The Equality Act 2010 currently protects LGBTQ+ people from discrimination in employment, education, housing, and public services. Under the act, it is illegal to treat someone unfairly because of their sexual orientation or gender reassignment status. Critics warn that scrapping the legislation would dismantle fundamental protections for LGBTQ+ individuals.

Braverman reiterated Reform UK’s commitment to banning “social and gender transitioning” in all schools, promising an end to what she called “transgender chaos in the classroom”. Her policy position includes prohibiting teachers from recognising a student’s preferred gender unless confirmed biologically, a stance which has already prompted condemnation from equality advocates and legal experts.

Under her proposals, children would be unable to make even basic social transitions - such as using a preferred name or wearing different clothing - within school environments. Jo Maugham KC of the Good Law Project warned that enforcing such restrictions would effectively require policing children’s appearances and would be “unworkable”, likening the approach to having a “North Korean flavour”. 

Equalities charities have widely condemned Reform UK’s plan, describing it as a “significant step backwards” for discrimination protections. Many have highlighted that LGBTQ+ people - particularly trans individuals - could face heightened vulnerability in workplaces, schools and healthcare settings if the act were repealed.

The Trades Union Congress (TUC) also issued a strong response, saying Reform UK’s stance effectively suggests that discrimination “should be legal”. TUC general secretary Paul Nowak warned that removing Equality Act protections would give employers a “blank cheque” to mistreat workers, explicitly referencing discrimination against gay and trans people. 

Farage and Braverman have insisted that scrapping the Equality Act would not remove all workplace protections. Instead, they say the goal is to eliminate what they characterise as divisive identity‑based categories and focus on “meritocracy”.