The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has released new guidance that permits single-sex spaces to exclude transgender women, reigniting the heated debate around gender identity and women's rights in the UK.
What the new guidance says
The updated EHRC recommendations clarify that service providers can legally restrict access to single-sex spaces like changing rooms, shelters, and toilets based on biological sex rather than gender identity. The commission states this is permitted under the Equality Act 2010 when there's a "legitimate aim" such as privacy or safety.
Reactions from campaigners
LGBTQ+ rights organisations have condemned the move, calling it a dangerous step backward for trans rights. Stonewall described it as "deeply disappointing" and warned it could lead to increased discrimination.
Meanwhile, some feminist groups have welcomed the clarification, arguing it protects women's rights to single-sex spaces. The guidance comes after years of legal ambiguity surrounding the interpretation of equality laws.
Legal implications
The guidance doesn't change existing law but provides official interpretation of how the Equality Act can be applied. Service providers must still consider each case individually and demonstrate any exclusion is proportionate.
Legal experts warn the guidance could lead to more legal challenges as organisations navigate the complex balance between trans rights and single-sex provisions.
