If they win the general election, the Tories have pledged to rewrite the Equality Act to exclude transgender people from single-sex spaces
BY NIC CROSARA, IMAGE BY WIRESTOCK DREAMSTIME.COM
Throughout history, LGBTQIA people and other marginalised communities have been used as tactics in election campaigns. Last month, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak shocked the nation by announcing a July general election. In recent years, the government has repeatedly stirred up fearmongering when it comes to the trans community.
Rishi has previously received criticism for mocking trans women in a leaked video. And while the video was leaked, he’s also proved he’s not afraid of joking about trans lives when all eyes are on him. Last month, they introduced new guidance that banned the teaching of the “concept of gender identity” to children under nine. We clearly didn’t learn anything from the horrors of Section 28. Last year, we say the government block Scotland’s progressive gender recognition reform bill and Health Secretary Steve Barclay announced a proposal that would see trans women banned from female NHS wards and for gender neutral language to be removed from the NHS constitution. And now, the Conservatives have pledged to exclude trans people from single-sex spaces if they win the general election by rewriting the Equality Act.
What is the Equality Act?
The Equality Act came into force on 1 October 2010 and collates 116 separate pieces of legislation into one single Act so that it is easier to use. It was made to legally protect people from discrimination in the workplace and wider society. It protects individuals from discrimination based on age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, race, pregnancy and maternity and marriage or civil partnership.
What does this pledge by the Tories mean?
The Conservatives plan to make these changes by making “sex” mean “biological sex”. The party has stated that reforming the Equality Act would clear up “confusion” for public bodies, businesses and institutions about female-only spaces. They’ve claimed it will make it “simpler for service providers for women and girls, such as those running sessions for domestic abuse victims, to prevent biological males from taking part”.
These changes could mean trans women would be barred from entering single-sex spaces such as toilets, female prisons, shelters and hospital wards, even if they have a Gender Recognition Certificate (GRC).
But what about trans men? Well, it remains unclear how these changes would impact trans men who have obtained GRCs. It appears that the Tories have forgotten that trans men exist (again).
The party has said that the reform would not take away the protections against discrimination on the basis of gender reassignment.
Is there anything you can do?
As always, you can write to your local MP to raise your concerns. And you can vote in the general election taking place on 4 July 2024. To do so, you must be registered to vote by 11:59 pm on 18 June.
We’re living during a time where there are concerning levels of opposition against LGBTQIA rights around the globe. We’ve also seen an 11% increase in hate crimes against trans people. It’s vital that LGBTQIA people and our allies have our voices heard on voting day. Be sure to register today.
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