UK menopause law change rejected as it ‘could discriminate against men’

Ministers block proposal to make menopause a ‘protected characteristic’ under Equalities Act

Proposals to change UK legislation to protect the rights of women experiencing menopause have been in part rejected by the government due to fears such a move would discriminate against men.

The cross-party women and equalities committee last July published a report focusing on menopause and the workplace, which included a recommendation to make menopause a “protected characteristic” under the Equalities Act.