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Gender Critical Beliefs: Equality Act 2010
11 March 2025
Lead MP
Rosie Duffield
Canterbury
Ind
Responding Minister
Dame Nia Griffith
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Word Count: 3813
Other Contributors: 7
At a Glance
Rosie Duffield raised concerns about gender critical beliefs: equality act 2010 in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
The MP calls for protection of gender critical beliefs under the Equality Act and acknowledges the legal precedent set by Maya Forstater's case but notes ongoing issues in implementation and workplace practices.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
The debate addresses the conflict between sex-based rights of women and gender identity rights. It highlights cases where questioning single-sex spaces or services leads to disciplinary actions against those expressing gender critical views, such as Roz Adams from Edinburgh Rape Crisis who faced investigation for asking about the sex of a support worker.
Nia Griffith
Lab
Llanelli
The Equality Act allows providers to restrict service use on the basis of sex and gender reassignment where it is proportionate. The Government will ensure guidance for service providers.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
He commends Rosie Duffield for her stance, mentioning the importance of respect as a two-way street and the need to allow biblical questioning without it being seen as an offence.
Jonathan Hinder
Lab
Pendle and Clitheroe
Jonathan Hinder pointed out that being respectful of others’ views has often meant silencing those with gender critical beliefs, and he called on the government to ensure genuine respect for all views.
Gregory Campbell
DUP
East Londonderry
Asked if the Commission should be empathetic towards those with 'gender critical' views, highlighting the need for understanding and fair interpretation of the Act.
Rebecca Smith
Con
South West Devon
Rebecca Smith questioned whether policy could avoid creating a hierarchy where some protected characteristics are considered more important than others and emphasized the need to maintain a level playing field within legislation.
Julian Lewis
Con
New Forest East
Sir Julian Lewis acknowledged Rosie Duffield's bravery in standing up for her beliefs and raised concerns about the political danger from this form of indoctrination, which pushes ordinary people towards political extremes.
Tracy Gilbert
Lab
Edinburgh North and Leith
She raises the case of Roz Adams from Edinburgh Rape Crisis, who faced investigation for asking about the sex of a support worker, highlighting how targeting women with gender critical views can harm those advocating for women's services.
Government Response
Dame Nia Griffith
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Wales
Government Response
Dame Nia Griffith affirmed the Government’s commitment to upholding freedom of expression and protecting philosophical beliefs under the Equality Act. She noted that gender critical beliefs are protected and emphasised the need to foster respectful discussions without lowering to politics of division.
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Assessment & feedback
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About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.