UK Tightens Rules on Trans People in Single-Sex Spaces

Britain has drafted new rules that could bar transgender people from single-sex spaces such as public toilets, hospital wards and shelters in certain circumstances. The measure follows a landmark ruling by the Supreme Court, which confirmed that the term "sex" in the law refers to biological sex.

The new code was drafted by the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) and submitted to parliament for government approval. If no objections are raised, it will replace the existing 2011 code.

Minister for Women and Equalities Bridget Phillipson said the guidance is intended to bring clarity to organizations and public bodies. It allows access to single-sex spaces to be restricted where it is reasonable to protect privacy, dignity or safety, while emphasizing that transgender people remain protected by law against discrimination.

The decision has sparked wider debate. Transgender rights organizations warn against further excluding transgender people from public life, while supporters of the changes say it is a necessary clarification of rules governing schools, hospitals, sports facilities and prisons.

(reuters, max)