Transgender pride flag
Transgender pride flag

After nearly three years, on Tuesday 22nd September, the government finally published its response to reforming the Gender Recognition Act. It is the Government’s view that the balance struck in this legislation is correct, and they will not be making any changes to the law – instead they say they will seek to make the administrative process less bureaucratic.

The Labour Party is committed to championing the rights of trans people. The Labour Party believes trans rights are human rights. Labour is committed to equality and inclusion for trans people and we will continue to support updating the GRA to introduce self-declaration for trans people.

The debate around the reform of the Gender Recognition Act has been intensely fraught and that this causes great harm to women and the trans community. Labour want to take the heat out of this debate so that we can work together to make life better for the trans community and women alike.

Luke Pollard MP said:

“Everyone should have the right to live with respect and dignity in an equal and inclusive society. Trans people across the country and in Plymouth face daily discrimination and it is vital that steps are taken to provide the equality, services and support people need.

 

Even though the Government has dropped plans for reform of the GRA, I am pleased that Labour is committed to the rights of trans people and remains committed to updating the Gender Recognition Act to introduce self-declaration for trans people.

 

Labour supports upholding the Equality Act and is committed to retaining the single sex exemptions which may apply whether or not someone has a Gender Recognition Certificate where single-sex spaces are “a proportionate means of achieving a legitimate aim”.

 

Labour has a proud of our history of advancing LGBT+ rights. It was a Labour government that abolished the Conservatives’ hateful Section 28 and created civil partnerships, and Labour votes in Parliament were crucial for winning marriage equality.”

Shadow Secretary of State for Women and Equalities, Marsha de Cordova MP, responded:

“After three years of toxic debate, it is deeply disappointing that the government have let trans people down at the last minute.

 

“Trans people face daily discrimination and it is vital that steps are taken to tackle discrimination and provide the services and support people need.

 

“Labour is committed to equality and inclusion for trans people and we continue to support updating the Gender Recognition Act to introduce self-declaration for trans people. We are

also proud to be the party of the Equality Act which plays a vital role in ensuring we are an inclusive society.

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