diff --git a/test/unit/common/middleware/test_subrequest_logging.py b/test/unit/common/middleware/test_subrequest_logging.py
index 1754215082..8cd002c23c 100644
--- a/test/unit/common/middleware/test_subrequest_logging.py
+++ b/test/unit/common/middleware/test_subrequest_logging.py
@@ -36,7 +36,7 @@ class FakeFilter(object):
 
     def __call__(self, env, start_response):
         path = SUB_PUT_POST_PATH
-        if env['REQUEST_METHOD'] is 'GET':
+        if env['REQUEST_METHOD'] == 'GET':
             path = SUB_GET_PATH
 
         # Make a subrequest that will be logged
@@ -52,9 +52,6 @@ class FakeFilter(object):
         resp = sub_req.get_response(self.app)
         close_if_possible(resp.app_iter)
 
-        def _start_response(status, headers, exc_info=None):
-            return start_response(status, headers, exc_info)
-
         return self.app(env, start_response)