The head of the equalities watchdog has lashed out at criticism of judges who made a landmark ruling on gender rights that has triggered a major trans rights row. Baroness Falkner, the chairwoman of the Equalities and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) the said it was unacceptable for people to question the integrity of Supreme Court justices because they did not agree with what had happened. The EHRC has issued interim guidance in the wake of the court's ruling that the term woman is defined by biological sex.
It has said trans women – biological men – 'should not be permitted to use the women's facilities' in workplaces or public-facing services like shops and hospitals – though trans people 'should not be put in a position where there are no facilities for them to use'. Speaking to The House magazine Baroness Falkner said the ruling 'clarified' the legal position and 'claims that trans people are not being listened to are simply incorrect'. 'The public discourse on this topic continues to be polarised.
Naturally, parliamentarians will highlight constituents' concerns,' she added. 'They will articulate whether they believe the law strikes the right balance between different rights. 'But it is unacceptable to question the integrity of the judiciary, or indeed the regulator, as some have done.'
It came as prominent luvvies said they are 'unable and unwilling to police the gender of people using our toilets'. Baroness Falkner, the chairwoman of the Equalities and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) the said it was unacceptable for people to question the integrity of Supreme Court justices because they did not agree with what had happened. The EHRC has issued interim guidance in the wake of the court's ruling that the term woman is defined by biological sex.
More than 1,000 people have signed an open letter to the EHRC aid they are 'unable and unwilling to police the gender of people using our toilets'. Signatories include the founder of the Vagina Museum, Florence Schechter (pictured). More than 1,000 people have signed an open letter to the EHRC which claims its interim update on the practical implications of the judgment 'overlooks the need to protect trans, non-binary and intersex people from discrimination'.
Signatories include joint chief executives and general directors of the Welsh National Opera (WNO), Adele Thomas and Sarah Crabtree, the founder of the Vagina Museum, Florence Schechter, and the director of Queer Britain museum, Andrew Given. The letter says: 'The majority of cultural venues – who are already facing significant financial challenges and are often based in listed and old buildings – are unable to magic up new toilet facilities. As well as being profoundly unfair, this kind of segregation will have significant social, cultural and economic impact.
'In addition, your interim update is not practical or possible to apply.' It adds: 'We are unable and unwilling to police the gender of people using our toilets. 'Before any guidance or legislation is issued, we urge you to undertake full and appropriate consultation with the trans, intersex and non-binary communities about the potential impact of any legislation along similar lines to your update.
'We also urge you to undertake full and appropriate consultation with those running cultural venues and public buildings to understand the impact this would have on operations, our ability to keep people safe and our ability to ensure inclusive and welcoming spaces.' It comes after actors including Oscar-winning star Eddie Redmayne, The Brutalist actor Joe Alwyn and Babygirl star Harris Dickinson signed an open letter addressed to film and TV industry bodies, encouraging them to support the trans community. The letter said that the signatories wish to 'add our voices to the 2,000+ signatories of the Open Letter from UK Writers to the Trans Community', which was signed by Doctor Who showrunner Russell T Davies and Chewing Gum's Michaela Coel.
