Labour MPs doubt EHRC guidance on court’s biological sex ruling is workable
Exclusive: Commons motion calls for code of practice to be blocked amid concerns over impact on transgender people
TL;DR
- A motion signed by 135 MPs, including 69 from Labour, seeks to block new EHRC guidance on the Equality Act.
- The guidance follows a Supreme Court ruling that 'sex' in the Act refers to biological sex.
- Concerns include the impact on transgender people, particularly regarding access to single-sex spaces like toilets and hospital wards.
- MPs argue the guidance is impractical, subjective, and could lead to widespread legal challenges against organizations.
- Some transgender constituents have expressed fear of seeking medical care due to potential ward placements.
- Despite government assurances that the guidance has been made as workable as possible, doubts persist among backbenchers about its feasibility.
- The guidance is expected to become law in the coming weeks or months after the parliamentary period concludes.