Government to Publish Updated Single-Sex Space Guidance After May Elections

The government has announced plans to publish new guidance on single-sex spaces following the elections scheduled for 7 May.

Equalities Minister Bridget Phillipson confirmed that the updated guidance will be laid before Parliament after the local elections in England and the national elections in Scotland and Wales.

The updated draft guidance was submitted by the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) earlier this month.

However, election rules currently prevent the government from making further announcements on the matter.

The EHRC's Code of Practice, which advises organisations on applying equalities law, is being revised following a Supreme Court ruling.

The ruling clarified that the definition of a woman under the Equality Act should be based on biological sex.

This update is significant as it reflects recent legal interpretations affecting how public bodies and service providers implement the Equality Act 2010.

The government has expressed support for the use of single-sex spaces based on biological sex, while also noting that protections for transgender individuals remain within the Equality Act.

EHRC Chair Dr Mary-Ann Stephenson stated that the latest amendments to the Code of Practice were made after considering government comments, consultation responses, and legal advice.

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