“They want us to go quietly. Now, more than ever, we need to show up and demand better”
BY ELLA GAUCI, IMAGE BY GETTY IMAGES
Nearly 1,000 trans people and allies are expected to attend Parliament on 9 September in a mass lobby to push MPs to scrap the Equality and Human Rights Commission’s (EHRC) “cruel and unworkable” guidance.
More than 160 MPs have spoken out against this guidance, signing a motion by Nadia Whittome to stop the guidance. Brought in on 5 August, the updated code states that single-sex spaces, such as toilets and changing rooms, must be used based on biological sex. Furthermore, under this code it would be lawful to refuse a trans person entry to a single-sex association or sporting organisation. However, the draft Code also states that it would be unlawful to exclude trans people from gender-related sporting opportunities based on biological sex unless for reasons of “safety or fair competition”.
Last year, Trans+ Solidarity Alliance organised a mass lobby which marked the largest LGBTQIA+ lobby in British political history. More than 900 people came to Westminster to stand up for trans rights. This year, even more are expected to turn out in force to press the government to protect trans people.
Alexandra Parmar-Yee, director at Trans+ Solidarity Alliance, said: “The Government wants this issue to go away. They want you to go away. We need to show them that neither can or will happen. By running away from their duty to fix the UK’s broken equality law, the Government has created a legal minefield which puts communal spaces and services all over the country at risk of being sued. More importantly, they’ve created an environment where trans people are less safe living our everyday lives.”
“Trans people cannot simply evaporate, we have no choice but to navigate the dangerous environment the Government has created. This guidance is cruel and unworkable, and it must be scrapped. They want us to go quietly. Now, more than ever, we need to show up and demand better.”
A mass lobby is not a traditional protest. It occurs when people come into Parliament together as visitors and request that their MP speak to them about an issue. The lobby will take place in Westminster Hall. It’s a clear way to let MPs know that their constituents are united in their passion about an issue, encouraging them to take action.
You can find out more about how to get involved here.
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