Equalities minister Bridget Phillipson said: “My understanding is that the Scottish Government do not intend to progress their gender recognition reforms. My officials will work with the EHRC (Equality and Human Rights Commission), who will in turn also work with the Scottish Government.
“I believe Scottish ministers have indicated that they wish to engage with the EHRC on this guidance, which is an important and welcome development.”
Dame Meg Hillier asks about the ban on toilets, citing one trans constituent who has used female toilets for much of her life.
Bridget Phillipson replies that the provision of single sex spaces is on the basis of biological sex and the EHRC’s code of practise for businesses and others will ensure there is appropriate provision for all.
Dame Emily Thornberry told the Commons: “The overwhelming threat to women and to all of the trans community” is violence by men.
The MP for Islington South and Finsbury in London added: “Over the last few days, calls to Switchboard, the national LGBT+ helpline in my constituency, has skyrocketed from callers who are in fear for what this ruling means to them.
“Because trans people frightened to use public loos today know one thing – and does the Secretary of State agree we should all be clear about this – the overwhelming threat to women and to all of the trans community is the violence that we suffer from cis men?”
Equalities minister Bridget Phillipson replied: “I agree that male violence remains a very serious challenge that we face as a country, a challenge that this Labour Government is determined to confront.
“But I would say to her that the ruling of the Supreme Court was clear about the importance of biological sex, but I would not want any trans person in her constituency or anywhere across the country to be fearful.
“I believe that everyone has the right to be treated with dignity and respect, not to face discrimination or harassment, and that is why we will back the police to ensure that action is taken against anyone who behaves in that way.”
Source: theguardian.com
