Anne Health response: EHRC sends formal guidance on single-sex spaces to UK equalities minister

We are deeply concerned by the Equality and Human Rights Commission’s updated Code of Practice which has been sent to Secretary of State, Bridget Philipson, this week. While presented as clarification, in practice, it risks legitimising transphobia and setting a dangerous precedent that undermines both dignity and safety.

By narrowing the definition of sex in law and placing responsibility onto organisations to “get on with it,” the EHRC is effectively asking service providers to police people’s bodies and gender presentation. This is neither possible to enforce fairly nor compatible with safeguarding or equality.

The reality is that anyone who does not fit into narrow stereotypes of what a woman or man “should” look like is at risk of being challenged when accessing everyday facilities. This undermines dignity, erodes trust, and creates unsafe environments for trans people, non-binary people, and anyone whose appearance does not conform to these narrow definitions.

We want to be clear: trans and non-binary people are part of our communities. They deserve safe access to healthcare, support and our public services without fear of humiliation, harassment, or exclusion. Policing gender presentation is not compatible with the principles of equality.

We urge everyone reading this to write to their MP and to the Government, and to ask them to raise these concerns directly with the Secretary of State, Bridget Philipson. The Government must not allow the EHRC’s Code to be passed through without proper scrutiny. Instead, it must uphold the Equality Act: which protects people against discrimination, advances equality of opportunity, and fosters good relations between all.

Anne Health will continue to work for an inclusive, safe, and respectful environment for all patients, staff, and communities.

Susie, Lizzie and the Anne Health team