Latest news with #AdeleThomas
Yahoo
02-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Culture leaders 'unwilling' to police which toilets people use
Leaders across the UK's cultural sector have said they are "unable and unwilling" to police which toilets people choose to use after a recent Supreme Court ruling. Last month, the Supreme Court said the terms "woman" and "sex" in the 2010 Equality Act "refer to a biological woman and biological sex". The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) issued interim guidance that, in places open to the public, trans women - people who are biologically male but identify as female - shouldn't use women's facilities such as toilets. More than 1,000 cultural figures have signed an open letter which claims the judgement "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 that the majority of cultural venues "are unable to magic up new toilet facilities" and "this kind of segregation will have significant social, cultural and economic impact". The Supreme Court judges say trans people are still protected from discrimination under equalities legislation, and that this interpretation of the law does not cause disadvantage to the "potentially vulnerable group". The court sided with campaign group For Women Scotland, which brought a case against the Scottish government and argued for a "common sense" interpretation of the words man and woman, telling the court that sex is an "immutable biological state". Following the ruling two weeks ago, For Women Scotland co-founder Susan Smith said: "Sex is real and women can now feel safe that services and spaces designated for women are for women and we are enormously grateful to the Supreme Court for this ruling." Harry Potter author JK Rowling posted on social media to say the campaign group have "protected the rights of women and girls across the UK." described the ruling as "a model of clarity and provides a solid foundation for approaching consequential issues", while Helen Joyce, the director of advocacy at the campaign group Sex Matters, said the ruling was "incredibly important for the half of humanity who need single-sex spaces". Several organisations have been updating their guidelines in light of the Supreme Court's ruling. Earlier this week, the Football Association announced transgender women will no longer be able to play in women's football in England from 1 June. Meanwhile, professionals in the UK music industry have signed a different open letter expressing solidarity with the trans community. Signatories including Charli XCX, Jessie Ware, Jade, Olly Alexander, Sugababes, Sophie Ellis-Bextor and Paloma Faith. Their letter says that the industry must "urgently work to ensure that our trans, non-binary, and intersex colleagues, collaborators, and audiences are protected from discrimination and harassment in all areas of the industry - whether in studios, at venues, in offices, or at festivals". Trans former judge plans to challenge gender ruling at European court The Supreme Court ruling gives clarity - but now comes the difficult part Supreme Court backs 'biological' definition of woman The letter 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. The EHRC has issued guidance aimed at clearing up questions about what the judgment will mean in practice. Transgender women "should not be permitted to use the women's facilities" in workplaces or public-facing services like shops and hospitals, the EHRC said. The same applies to transgender men, who are biologically female, using men's toilets. The watchdog also insisted that transgender people "should not be put in a position where there are no facilities for them to use". The EHRC is currently reviewing its statutory code of practice for services and will seek affected stakeholders' views on how the practical implications of the judgment can be reflected in the updated guidance in a consultation expected to launch later this month. Gender ruling offers clarity after years of ambiguity Five key takeaways from Supreme Court ruling FA bars transgender women from women's football
BBC News
02-05-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
Culture leaders 'unwilling' to police which toilets people use
Leaders across the UK's cultural sector have said they are "unable and unwilling" to police which toilets people choose to use after a recent Supreme Court ruling. Last month, the Supreme Court said the terms "woman" and "sex" in the 2010 Equality Act "refer to a biological woman and biological sex".The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) issued interim guidance that, in places open to the public, trans women - people who are biologically male but identify as female - shouldn't use women's facilities such as than 1,000 cultural figures have signed an open letter which claims the judgement "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 letter says that the majority of cultural venues "are unable to magic up new toilet facilities" and "this kind of segregation will have significant social, cultural and economic impact". The Supreme Court judges say trans people are still protected from discrimination under equalities legislation, and that this interpretation of the law does not cause disadvantage to the "potentially vulnerable group".The court sided with campaign group For Women Scotland, which brought a case against the Scottish government and argued for a "common sense" interpretation of the words man and woman, telling the court that sex is an "immutable biological state".Following the ruling two weeks ago, For Women Scotland co-founder Susan Smith said: "Sex is real and women can now feel safe that services and spaces designated for women are for women and we are enormously grateful to the Supreme Court for this ruling."Harry Potter author JK Rowling posted on social media to say the campaign group have "protected the rights of women and girls across the UK."described the ruling as "a model of clarity and provides a solid foundation for approaching consequential issues", while Helen Joyce, the director of advocacy at the campaign group Sex Matters, said the ruling was "incredibly important for the half of humanity who need single-sex spaces".Several organisations have been updating their guidelines in light of the Supreme Court's ruling. Earlier this week, the Football Association announced transgender women will no longer be able to play in women's football in England from 1 June. Meanwhile, professionals in the UK music industry have signed a different open letter expressing solidarity with the trans community. Signatories including Charli XCX, Jessie Ware, Jade, Olly Alexander, Sugababes, Sophie Ellis-Bextor and Paloma letter says that the industry must "urgently work to ensure that our trans, non-binary, and intersex colleagues, collaborators, and audiences are protected from discrimination and harassment in all areas of the industry - whether in studios, at venues, in offices, or at festivals". The letter 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 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. Interim guidance The EHRC has issued guidance aimed at clearing up questions about what the judgment will mean in women "should not be permitted to use the women's facilities" in workplaces or public-facing services like shops and hospitals, the EHRC same applies to transgender men, who are biologically female, using men's watchdog also insisted that transgender people "should not be put in a position where there are no facilities for them to use".The EHRC is currently reviewing its statutory code of practice for services and will seek affected stakeholders' views on how the practical implications of the judgment can be reflected in the updated guidance in a consultation expected to launch later this month.
South Wales Guardian
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- South Wales Guardian
UK culture sector leaders ‘unwilling' to police which toilets people use
Over the Easter period, it was declared that the words 'woman' and 'sex' in the Equality Act refer to a biological woman and biological sex. The ruling has been interpreted to mean that transgender women, who are biologically male but identify as women, can be excluded from women-only spaces like toilets and changing rooms. More than 1,000 people have signed an open letter to the Equality and Human Rights Commission (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. The EHRC has issued guidance aimed at clearing up questions about what the judgment will mean in practice. Transgender women 'should not be permitted to use the women's facilities' in workplaces or public-facing services like shops and hospitals, the EHRC said. The same applies to transgender men, who are biologically female, using men's toilets. The watchdog also insisted that transgender people 'should not be put in a position where there are no facilities for them to use'. The Supreme Court decision was hailed as a victory by some women's rights campaigners, but LGBT+ charity Stonewall described it as 'incredibly worrying for the trans community'. EHRC chairwoman Baroness Kishwer Falkner told the political magazine The House: 'I can wholeheartedly reassure all who rely on us that every explanation of equality law from the EHRC will be accurate and authoritative. That is our job.' 'The unambiguous ruling of the Supreme Court has now clarified what the law is. 'Claims that trans people are not being listened to are simply incorrect.' The EHRC is currently reviewing its statutory code of practice for services. It will seek affected stakeholders' views on how the practical implications of the judgment can be reflected in the updated guidance in a consultation expected to launch later this month.
Powys County Times
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Powys County Times
UK culture sector leaders ‘unwilling' to police which toilets people use
Leaders from the UK culture sector have said they are 'unable and unwilling to police the gender of people using our toilets' in the wake of a recent Supreme Court ruling. Over the Easter period, it was declared that the words 'woman' and 'sex' in the Equality Act refer to a biological woman and biological sex. The ruling has been interpreted to mean that transgender women, who are biologically male but identify as women, can be excluded from women-only spaces like toilets and changing rooms. More than 1,000 people have signed an open letter to the Equality and Human Rights Commission (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. The EHRC has issued guidance aimed at clearing up questions about what the judgment will mean in practice. Transgender women 'should not be permitted to use the women's facilities' in workplaces or public-facing services like shops and hospitals, the EHRC said. The same applies to transgender men, who are biologically female, using men's toilets. The watchdog also insisted that transgender people 'should not be put in a position where there are no facilities for them to use'. The Supreme Court decision was hailed as a victory by some women's rights campaigners, but LGBT+ charity Stonewall described it as 'incredibly worrying for the trans community'. EHRC chairwoman Baroness Kishwer Falkner told the political magazine The House: 'I can wholeheartedly reassure all who rely on us that every explanation of equality law from the EHRC will be accurate and authoritative. That is our job.' 'The unambiguous ruling of the Supreme Court has now clarified what the law is. 'Claims that trans people are not being listened to are simply incorrect.' The EHRC is currently reviewing its statutory code of practice for services.
Irish Independent
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
UK culture sector leaders ‘unwilling' to police which toilets people use
Over the Easter period, it was declared that the words 'woman' and 'sex' in the Equality Act refer to a biological woman and biological sex. The ruling has been interpreted to mean that transgender women, who are biologically male but identify as women, can be excluded from women-only spaces like toilets and changing rooms. More than 1,000 people have signed an open letter to the Equality and Human Rights Commission (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. ADVERTISEMENT 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. The EHRC has issued guidance aimed at clearing up questions about what the judgment will mean in practice. Transgender women 'should not be permitted to use the women's facilities' in workplaces or public-facing services like shops and hospitals, the EHRC said. The same applies to transgender men, who are biologically female, using men's toilets. The watchdog also insisted that transgender people 'should not be put in a position where there are no facilities for them to use'. The Supreme Court decision was hailed as a victory by some women's rights campaigners, but LGBT+ charity Stonewall described it as 'incredibly worrying for the trans community'. EHRC chairwoman Baroness Kishwer Falkner told the political magazine The House: 'I can wholeheartedly reassure all who rely on us that every explanation of equality law from the EHRC will be accurate and authoritative. That is our job.' 'The unambiguous ruling of the Supreme Court has now clarified what the law is. 'Claims that trans people are not being listened to are simply incorrect.' The EHRC is currently reviewing its statutory code of practice for services. It will seek affected stakeholders' views on how the practical implications of the judgment can be reflected in the updated guidance in a consultation expected to launch later this month.
