I recognise the strength of feeling around a range of recent issues affecting the trans community. In relation to both the Supreme Court ruling on the For Women Scotland case and the resultant EHRC interim non-statutory guidance, these developments constitute a substantial change in the legal position of trans people in the UK, and it is important that the Government and other bodies are able to provide clear guidance on the specifics of any changes.
Regarding the Supreme Court decision specifically, the Government unequivocally recognises the decision and appreciates the careful consideration given to this sensitive issue by the Court. It is now up to the EHRC to develop its final guidance for the public, and I would encourage all affected by the issues at hand to engage with their consultation on the guidance, running until the 30th of June.
Throughout this debate, the Government has emphasised the importance of balancing all people’s rights, including those of trans people and of women, acknowledging that both groups have real, important and often shared concerns. On matters such as access to single-sex spaces, we understand these issues must be navigated sensitively. The Government’s position embodies a belief that it is both possible and essential to uphold protections for trans people while respecting women’s concerns regarding privacy, safety and dignity, with this intention reflected in the Government’s rejection of the New Clause 21 amendment to the Data (Use and Access) Bill.
Going forward, it is also important to recognise that nobody should suffer or feel the fear that so many do today. It is important to recognise how much impact the increasingly toxic discourse around LGBT+ issues has had. We recognise that, for many trans people, the current climate is uncertain and it has become, in too many places, hostile. This is reflected in the horrifying hate crime statistics that have emerged in recent years, and more must be done to address violence against both trans people and the LQBT+ community more broadly.
In pursuit of this, the Government will make all existing forms of hate crime aggravating offences, delivering harsher sentences for those targeting the LGBT+ community. Trans people deserve the right to live free from discrimination, violence, and fear, and there is no place for transphobia in our society, just as there is no place for homophobia or biphobia.
Alongside this, the Government remains committed to its manifesto commitment to modernise and simplify the Gender Recognition Certificate application process, addressing the lengthy barriers many face in securing the legal recognition of their gender identity.
Thank you once again to all my constituents who contacted me regarding this incredibly important issue. Rest assured, I will continue to keep pace with all developments on this issue.
