Hundreds of trans activists descend on Parliament to oppose 'bathroom ban'
Hundreds of trans activists and their allies have descended on Parliament for a mass lobby of MPs, in a bid to have what they call a "bathroom ban" blocked before it can become law.
They are furious about plans for legislation, proposed by the (Equality and Human Rights Commission), which would say trans people can only use gendered facilities which correspond to their biologic sex at birth.
The EHRC began reconsidering guidance for single sex facilities after a landmark ruling in the Supreme Court which decided the term "woman", as referred to in the Equality Act 2010, is defined by a person's biologic sex.
Labour had said it would refrain from issuing guidance about which facilities trans people should use until the EHRC had completed its consultation, which will close next week.
But interim guidance issued by the commission said "trans women (biological men) should not be permitted to use the women's facilities".
Prime Minister Keir Starmer, in response to the Supreme Court ruling, appeared to have changed his mind about trans people.
In 2022 he'd said "transwomen are women" but when asked if he still believed that after the ruling, his spokesperson said: "No, the Supreme Court judgment has made clear that when looking at the Equality Act, a woman is a biological woman."
Some women's activists including JK Rowling said the ruling was vindication for their campaign to protect single sex spaces but rather than settle the long running debate, it appears to have just marked the start of another chapter in the story.
Trans activists, who've met dozens of MPs in Parliament, are desperate to convince politicians to block any new guidance introduced to parliament after the consultation closes.
Jude Guaitamacchi, founder of the Trans+ Solidarity Alliance, said the bathroom ban - if it goes ahead - "will have a devastating impact" on trans people.
They added: 'The EHRC's proposals would force workers in shops and pubs to become 'gender police' - told to demand birth certificates from anybody that they think doesn't fit gender stereotypes - and require major facilities changes at great expense for businesses across the country."
'Politicians must act to prevent trans people like me from becoming second class citizens and this is our chance to call for meaningful action to resolve the current human rights crisis. There is no dignity and respect in a bathroom ban, we now need real political leadership.'
A former legal director at the EHRC said the commission's draft guidance is a "cynical attempt to undermine the will of Parliament and remove trans people's rights".
Grey Collier added: "In practical terms it would be entirely unenforceable which makes it bad law. Most importantly, its impact will be absolutely devastating on the participation of trans and non binary people in all aspects of public life."
Among those attending protest were singer Kate Nash and several MPs including former Green Party leader Sian Berry as well as Labour's Olivia Blake.
"These proposals would be devastating to trans lives, and it's time for all of us to stand up in the UK and across the world against anti-trans hate and division. Transphobia is not feminism. Trans inclusive feminism is the only path forward & we mustn't let these fringe views become the mainstream," Nash said.
"Trans people need protection, rights and healthcare from the UK government. Trans people are not a threat, but are people living their lives like you and me."
The exact number of attendees outside Parliament is not yet clear but 1,400 signed up online and over 100 MPs had agreed to meet constituents.
Trans+ Solidarity Alliance said the event was expected to be the largest mass lobby on LGBT+ rights since the 1980s.
A mass lobby is where activists, all campaigning on the same issue, organise meetings with their local MP in Parliament to impress upon them a strength of feeling around the country, aimed at getting them onside.
MPs who spoke to ITV News about the rally said they were hopeful the prime minister would listen, but it is unlikely Starmer would choose to ignore advice issued by the EHRC.
A government Spokesperson said: 'We have always supported the protection of single-sex spaces based on biological sex.'This ruling brings clarity for women and service providers such as hospitals, refuges, and sports clubs.'Single-sex spaces are protected in law and will always be protected by this government.'
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