The UK’s equality watchdog is demanding urgent new guidance. It wants the minister to approve a trans rights code. Women and Equalities Minister Bridget Phillipson received the document. However, she has not yet implemented the crucial code. The Equality and Human Rights Commission issued this demand. Delays are causing organizations to use unlawful old rules.
Therefore, Baroness Falk leads the Equality and Human Rights Commission. She wrote a formal letter to Minister Phillipson recently. Falkner stressed the need for immediate parliamentary action. She specifically cited a problematic and widespread issue. Some groups still rely on outdated, illegal guidance. Therefore, approving the urgent new guidance is essential.
Furthermore, the updated code clarifies single-sex space regulations. It affects gyms, hospitals, and various sports clubs. This follows a critical Supreme Court ruling in April. The new code reflects this legal judgment accurately. The commission conducted two public consultations beforehand. Consequently, the draft code provides current legal clarity.
Moreover, a government spokesperson defended the current pace. They noted the document’s substantial three-hundred-page length. The spokesperson emphasized following the correct process. Meanwhile, political accusations are now flying. Conservatives claim Phillipson delays for personal ambition. She is currently running for Labour’s deputy leader.
However, shadow minister Mims Davies voiced strong criticism. She accused Phillipson of prioritizing her career. A source close to Phillipson denied these claims utterly. They called the accusations “utter nonsense” completely. The source stated their only concern is public protection. They want dignity for everyone within society.
Thirty-two Labour MPs also oppose the draft guidance. They signed a letter to the equality watchdog. These MPs fear increased discrimination against trans people. Lucy Powell is Phillipson’s leadership rival. She believes the guidance language is fundamentally wrong. Powell demands a robust parliamentary conversation first. She also wants a full vote on the final guidance.
The guidance draft includes several specific provisions. Organizations could request a birth certificate sometimes. This would apply if biological sex causes genuine concern. It also allows excluding trans people from sports. Safety and fair competition justify this exclusion. The code suggests individual lockable toilets as solutions.
The approval process requires several specific steps. Ministers must first sign off on the document. Then Parliament must sit for forty days with it. Baroness Falkner wants swift revocation of the old code. This action would prevent continued reliance on it. Courts and organizations need this urgent new guidance now. The watchdog says misinformation is spreading widely currently.
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