This is to probe why pregnancy and maternity are omitted from the list of protected characteristics for indirect discrimination.

The amendment probes why pregnancy and maternity are omitted from the list of protected characteristics for indirect discrimination. I understand that there is an argument that by definition it would be indirect discrimination on the basis of gender, but I would argue that it probably would do no harm to have a list that is consistent throughout the Bill. Therefore, the question at least deserves an answer that is not totally dismissive. In order to help us make progress, I will leave my remarks at that point.