Women and Equalities Minister Bridget Phillipson has stated that the recently issued guidance on single-sex spaces may not satisfy everyone but is deemed to be the appropriate stance. She acknowledged the expected ongoing debates, legal disputes, and scrutiny surrounding the guidance, emphasizing that these discussions would have arisen regardless of the content of the new regulations.
During her appearance before the Women and Equalities committee, Phillipson emphasized the importance of ensuring that the rights of both women and transgender individuals are not conflicting, highlighting the increasingly contentious nature of the broader discourse on this issue.
The minister’s appearance marked her first since the release of the Equality and Human Rights Commission’s updated guidance on single-sex spaces. The revised code now specifies that access to services must be based on biological sex for them to be considered single-sex under the Equality Act, in line with a 2025 Supreme Court ruling.
This means that facilities like single-sex toilets, changing rooms, hospital wards, and refuges must be accessed according to an individual’s biological sex rather than their gender identity.
Phillipson reiterated that the new code brings clarity for service providers such as gyms, leisure centers, and cafes. She expressed confidence in the position reached, acknowledging that while it may not satisfy all parties, she believes it is the appropriate approach.
Anticipating continued debate and potential legal challenges, Phillipson stressed that these discussions would have occurred regardless of the specifics of the code.
Questions were raised about the potential financial and broader impacts of legal battles on organizations like Girlguiding, the Women’s Institute, and Parkrun, with concerns expressed by committee members regarding the implications for these charities and voluntary groups.
Parkrun’s founder, Paul Sinton-Hewitt, highlighted the current challenges faced by the charity due to the gender and sex debate, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity and navigating the issue without causing harm or alienating any community members.
Phillipson acknowledged the difficulties that organizations, particularly smaller ones with limited resources, may face in this area but affirmed her belief that the draft code adequately addresses the needs across protected characteristics.
Expressing hope for progress based on the published code, Phillipson emphasized the importance of respecting the rights of transgender individuals while ensuring that women have access to necessary single-sex services, particularly for those who have experienced violence.
Campaign group Trans+ Solidarity Alliance revealed that over 100 MPs had signed an early day motion to reject the code, citing it as unjust, unworkable, and unacceptable. The group hopes that this strong parliamentary response will prompt a reconsideration of the guidance on trans equality.
An early day motion, although it does not automatically trigger a debate or vote, serves to highlight opposition to an issue within Parliament.