The UK government has introduced new guidance on single-sex spaces to Parliament, with Equalities Minister Bridget Phillipson asserting it will uphold "people's rights across our country." The updated code follows a landmark Supreme Court ruling in April 2025, which clarified that the terms "woman" and "sex" in the Equality Act 2010 refer to biological women and biological sex, while still protecting transgender individuals under the characteristic of "gender reassignment."
Government's Stance
According to the government, the new code provides "clear, workable guidance" for organisations such as hospitals and leisure centres to make "pragmatic" decisions regarding single-sex provisions, including toilets and changing rooms. The guidance aims to help these bodies navigate the legal landscape after the court's clarification, ensuring that single-sex spaces are preserved where necessary while respecting the rights of trans people.
Reactions from Campaigners
Women's rights campaigners have welcomed the guidance, describing it as an "important turning point" in the protection of female-only spaces. Conversely, trans rights activists have stressed the need to safeguard trans people's "participation in public life," expressing concerns that the guidance could lead to exclusion or discrimination.
The code of practice, which covers nine protected characteristics, has been updated for the first time since 2011. It has been laid before Parliament for a 40-day scrutiny period before it can be enacted. During this time, MPs and peers will examine the details, and further amendments may be proposed.
Bridget Phillipson emphasised that trans people remain protected under the Equality Act, despite the clarification on single-sex spaces. The debate highlights ongoing tensions between safeguarding women's rights and ensuring inclusivity for transgender individuals in public life.
