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23
Apr
MP urges support for trans people following Equality Act ruling
The MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, Tom Gordon, has called for urgent action to support transgender people following the recent Supreme Court ruling on the Equality Act.
Last week’s ruling determined that the terms “woman” and "sex" in the Equality Act 2010 refer solely to a biological woman and biological sex. In a unanimous decision, five senior judges ruled that the legal definition of a woman does not include trans women with Gender Recognition Certificates (GRC).
A GRC is a legal document that allows trans people to have their 'acquired' or 'affirmed' gender legally recognised. To apply for a GRC, individuals must be over 18, have lived as their affirmed gender for at least two years, and intend to live as that gender for the rest of their lives. They do not have to have undergone gender reassignment surgery.
The judges also stressed that trans people are still protected under the Equality Act against discrimination and harassment.
The Supreme Court's decision was hailed by some as a "victory for common sense", but many in the trans community have condemned it as a reversal of progress made over recent decades towards fair treatment of trans people.
Mr Gordon said it had caused real worry among trans people in the UK, including in North Yorkshire, where – as the Stray Ferret revealed last week – hate crime statistics show a steep rise in anti-trans incidents over the past decade.
Mr Gordon raised these concerns in Parliament, referencing those statistics, as well as conversations with constituents.
He called on the Government to ensure the ruling is not used to further marginalise trans people, and to provide clarity and reassurance to those affected.
He said:
Trans people in our communities are feeling vulnerable and uncertain. This ruling has raised questions that the Government must now answer clearly and compassionately. We need to ensure that it doesn’t become a green light for further division or discrimination.
I want to be clear: advocating for the rights and safety of trans people doesn’t come at the expense of women. These are not opposing causes – we can and must work toward a society where everyone feels safe, respected, and included.
The Government must lead with empathy and provide the support this community needs, especially in the wake of rising hostility. My job is to speak up for all those who feel unheard – and that includes our trans neighbours here in Harrogate and Knaresborough.
A spokesperson said Mr Gordon had met with local members of the trans community to hear their concerns firsthand and was working with local groups, including Harrogate Pride, to ensure their voices are heard in Parliament.
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