The UK’s latest Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is reportedly planning to review where transgender rights stand in the Equality Act 2010.
This is to “make it clear that sex means biological sex rather than gender,” according to a report in The Telegraph on 1 November.
Currently, the legislation protects trans people regardless of whether or not they have medically transitioned and/or have a Gender Recognition Certificate.
Sunak’s proposed changes would be expected to result in trans people being unable to compete on the sporting team that aligns with their gender identity, as well as preventing them from accessing the single-sex spaces they require – such as changing rooms and refuges.
“It would also mean clarifying that self-identification for transgender people does not have legal force, meaning transgender women have no legal right to access women-only facilities,” the aforementioned outlet reported.
A source in Downing Street confirmed to it that the new government will be prioritising protecting women and girls.
In addition to the above, the Prime Minister is believed to be in favour of giving parents more rights when it comes to what is taught in Relationship and Sex Education (RSE) classes after some have complained about not being given access to “contentious resources in areas such as race, transgender and sex education”.
Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London, called on the government to “not cave and surrender the human rights of trans people.”
“Trans rights must be protected,” he added.
Exactly where Sunak stands on LGBTQ+ issues was never exactly clear during either of this year’s Conservative leadership contests.
His time as Chancellor did not see him directly involved with advancing or rolling back rights and potential policies were barely discussed during the most recent battle to become leader.
It was, however, reported that he was planning to introduce a ‘manifesto for women’s rights’ should he emerge victorious.
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