UK's Equality and Human Rights Commission Stuck on Single-Sex Spaces Guidance Amid Far Right Concerns. A stalemate over guidance from the UK's human rights watchdog is overshadowing other pressing issues, including the rise of the far right.
Staff at the EHRC are feeling "desperate for regime change" ahead of new chair Mary-Ann Stephenson taking up her post in December. This comes as Labour backbenchers and equalities experts argue that the appointment of four new board members should be an opportunity to broaden the commission's approach, potentially appointing its first trans commissioner.
The EHRC is waiting for UK ministers to approve its guidance on responding to a supreme court ruling defining a woman based on biological sex. The interim advice stated that transgender people shouldn't use toilets matching their gender identity, sparking criticism from trans rights campaigners and some inside the commission as overly literal.
Current chair Lady Kishwer Falkner has expressed frustration at the delay in approving the crucial guidance, while equalities minister Bridget Phillipson insists that the final draft must be thoroughly considered. Ministers deny any deliberate delays, but For Women Scotland warns that "all the wrangling over the code of practice is obscuring the critical point that the law stands irrespective of any guidance."
Staff at the EHRC feel they are struggling due to a lack of quorate or functional status, with one source saying, "It's been stall, stall, stall but we're at a risk of not being able to do any work until they get recruitment sorted." The government is advertising for new commissioners, and Labour MPs are encouraging applicants from those taking a nuanced approach to trans inclusion.
Stonewall believes this is an opportunity to rebuild the EHRC, emphasizing fairness, balance, and respect. However, For Women Scotland's Susan Smith calls on Phillipson to "stop prevaricating" over approving the guidance, highlighting that trying to delay or misrepresent the legislation won't change the supreme court's ruling.
The stalemate highlights a broader concern about the commission's ability to address pressing issues like the rise of the far right and its impact on communities served by the EHRC. As the appointment process for new commissioners continues, it remains to be seen whether this will bring much-needed change to the watchdog's approach.
Staff at the EHRC are feeling "desperate for regime change" ahead of new chair Mary-Ann Stephenson taking up her post in December. This comes as Labour backbenchers and equalities experts argue that the appointment of four new board members should be an opportunity to broaden the commission's approach, potentially appointing its first trans commissioner.
The EHRC is waiting for UK ministers to approve its guidance on responding to a supreme court ruling defining a woman based on biological sex. The interim advice stated that transgender people shouldn't use toilets matching their gender identity, sparking criticism from trans rights campaigners and some inside the commission as overly literal.
Current chair Lady Kishwer Falkner has expressed frustration at the delay in approving the crucial guidance, while equalities minister Bridget Phillipson insists that the final draft must be thoroughly considered. Ministers deny any deliberate delays, but For Women Scotland warns that "all the wrangling over the code of practice is obscuring the critical point that the law stands irrespective of any guidance."
Staff at the EHRC feel they are struggling due to a lack of quorate or functional status, with one source saying, "It's been stall, stall, stall but we're at a risk of not being able to do any work until they get recruitment sorted." The government is advertising for new commissioners, and Labour MPs are encouraging applicants from those taking a nuanced approach to trans inclusion.
Stonewall believes this is an opportunity to rebuild the EHRC, emphasizing fairness, balance, and respect. However, For Women Scotland's Susan Smith calls on Phillipson to "stop prevaricating" over approving the guidance, highlighting that trying to delay or misrepresent the legislation won't change the supreme court's ruling.
The stalemate highlights a broader concern about the commission's ability to address pressing issues like the rise of the far right and its impact on communities served by the EHRC. As the appointment process for new commissioners continues, it remains to be seen whether this will bring much-needed change to the watchdog's approach.
... I mean, I've lived through some crazy times back in the day 
, but this is just getting out of hand. The EHRC can't even get their guidance on single-sex spaces sorted 
. It's like they're stuck in limbo waiting for approval from the ministers 
.
. Now, it seems like progress is being taken back a step 
. The EHRC needs some fresh blood and a new approach, pronto 
. Labour's pushing for more diverse board members, which is about time 
. We need people who understand the complexities of human rights and can navigate these treacherous waters 
.
. That's what we should be striving for in this country. But it seems like some folks are more concerned with delay tactics than actual progress 
. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that Mary-Ann Stephenson will bring some much-needed change to the EHRC 
.
they're stuck on single-sex spaces guidance and it's like, totally not moving 
but sometimes you gotta take a stand 
️ especially when it comes to trans rights 
it's about being inclusive 
and respecting everyone's identity 
I'm hoping the new chair Mary-Ann Stephenson will bring some much-needed change 
and get this guidance approved ASAP 
theyre just stuck in neutral 
and its affecting all these people who need help 
but at the same time i feel like the commission is getting kinda bullied by all these politicians and activists... like can they just make a decision already?! 
... can't believe the EHRC is getting stuck over something so basic as single-sex spaces guidance 
It feels like they're more worried about appeasing the far right than actually doing their job 
The delay is not only frustrating, but it's also putting the lives of trans people at risk 
... we need to move forward, not get bogged down in bureaucracy 
- the guidance should be approved ASAP 
, and it's time for our ministers to step up and show some leadership 
. We need a commission that can tackle tough issues head-on, not get bogged down in bureaucratic red tape 
I mean, I'm not saying it's easy, but come on. And what about all the work that's not getting done because of this stalemate? The far right is still out there, spreading hate and intolerance... shouldn't we be focusing on stopping them? 
. And yet, the EHRC's interim advice sparked some pretty heated criticism from trans rights groups, which has led to this stalemate 
what's the big deal? i feel like we're being held back by all these guidelines & regulations instead of focusing on real issues like combating hate crimes or promoting equality in the workplace 
It seems like they're stuck on a single-sex spaces issue for way too long, and it's not just about trans people using toilets that match their gender identity. This stalemate is overshadowing other super important issues like the rise of far-right groups in our communities.
! The far-right is on the rise, and we need an EHRC that can speak truth to power and defend human rights for all. This appointment process is our chance to rebuild the EHRC with people who genuinely care about fairness, balance, and respect 
. It's not just about the guidance on single-sex spaces, but also about the bigger picture – like how they're handling the rise of far-right ideologies. You'd think with new board members being appointed, it'd be a chance to freshen up their approach 
– and fast! 
And speaking of adapting, I wonder if the EHRC should just take a more flexible approach to things like single-sex spaces... I mean, what if it's not about rigid rules but more about creating a safe space for everyone? 