Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The Equality and Human Rights Commission’s draft code of practice has caused uncertainty and anxiety among the trans and non-binary community, leaving many workplaces, businesses, and single-sex spaces confused about how to proceed. Although the Government have not rushed ahead with the EHRC’s proposals, guidance is urgently needed.
The Equality and Human Rights Commission’s draft code of practice has caused uncertainty and anxiety among the trans and non-binary community. It has also left many workplaces, businesses, and single-sex spaces confused about how they should proceed. Although I am pleased that the Government have not rushed ahead with the EHRC’s proposals, we urgently need guidance on how to remain trans inclusive while also protecting single-sex spaces. Will the Minister provide an update on where her Department is with the guidance, and what assurances and guidance she can give on single-sex spaces that will fully consider and guarantee the human rights of all trans and gender non-conforming people in the UK?
I thank my hon. Friend for that important question. I absolutely recognise the anxiety felt by many trans people at the moment. The Government are clear, as was the Supreme Court judgment, that trans people are protected in law from discrimination and harassment. The independent EHRC has submitted a draft updated code of practice to Ministers, which we are reviewing with the care that it deserves. This will provide further guidance to service providers on how to meet their legal obligations.
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Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not provide assurances or specific guidance for single-sex spaces.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The Equality and Human Rights Commission laid the revised code of practice before Government 146 days ago, causing concern over the lack of progress.
It has been 146 days since the Equality and Human Rights Commission laid the revised code of practice before Government. Have the Government asked the EHRC to make any changes to the code of practice? If they have, can the Minister tell us what they are?
The EHRC is an independent body. We are engaging with it to ensure that the draft code provides clarity for service providers. It is crucial that providers have legally robust guidance on how to apply the Equality Act 2010, which is why we are considering it properly. We have always been clear that proper process must be followed so that service providers have certainty over these issues and are not placed in legal jeopardy again.
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Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not specify if changes were requested from the EHRC or what those changes would entail.
Response accuracy