Single-sex space guidance for organisations to be published after May elections
Single-sex Space Guidance to Be Released Post-May Elections
The UK government plans to release updated guidance on single-sex spaces following the 7 May elections, according to equalities minister Bridget Phillipson. A revised draft of the guidance was submitted by the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) on Monday, though the government has stated it cannot make further announcements until after the electoral process concludes, as per parliamentary rules.
The EHRC’s Code of Practice, which outlines how organisations should apply equalities law, is undergoing revision due to a Supreme Court ruling that redefined “woman” under the Equality Act as based on biological sex. An initial draft was proposed in September, but has since been adjusted following feedback from the government and public consultations. Dr Mary-Ann Stephenson, EHRC chair, noted that the amendments aim to clarify legal obligations for service providers, ensuring all users receive respectful treatment aligned with the Equality Act.
Phillipson emphasized that the government is taking “urgent action” to finalize the guidance after local elections in England and national votes in Scotland and Wales. The House of Commons will reconvene on 13 May following the State Opening of Parliament, before adjourning for recess on 21 May. The new code will be laid before Parliament for 40 days, with the option for either chamber to reject it through a motion.
“The latest changes were made in response to a limited set of government comments, alongside stakeholder input and legal analysis,” said Stephenson.
“The earlier leaked version of the guidance was impractical,” stated Alex Parmar-Yee of the Trans+ Solidarity Alliance. “Our focus remains on maintaining trans-inclusive provisions that meet international human rights benchmarks and Labour’s commitments to the transgender community.”
“It’s remarkable that a year after the Supreme Court decision and seven months after the first submission, the government still delays finalizing this guidance,” remarked Maya Forstater, CEO of Sex Matters. “This prolonged process is undermining the rights of women.”
As of now, BBC News has not yet reviewed the latest guidance or the government’s feedback on the initial draft. A November leak suggested trans individuals might be required to confirm their gender identity through physical traits or behavior when accessing single-sex services. The revised code seeks to address these concerns while balancing legal clarity and inclusivity.