The Tories have continued their habit of making a big election pledge at 10:30 p.m every weekend. Last time, it was the reintroduction of national service; this week it is their plans to overhaul the Equality Act. Yes, that’s right, after 14 years in government, the Conservatives have finally decided that it might be worth taking a look at one of the most contentious pieces of legislation which Labour passed in its dying days of office. Better late than never eh…
The Tories claim that if they are re-elected they will amend the Equality Act in order to make clear that the protected characteristic of sex is ‘biological sex’. This change aims to make it simpler for service providers for women and girls to prevent biological males from taking part – such as those running sessions for domestic abuse victims. In the words of the Conservatives’ press release:
More than a decade has passed since the last Labour government passed the Equality Act. In that time society has changed a lot, with greater numbers of people identifying as a gender that is different from their biological sex. The Act has not kept pace with evolving interpretations and is not sufficiently clear on when it means sex and when it means gender. This ambiguity has left single-sex service providers vulnerable to challenge and legal action, ultimately putting women and girls’ safety at risk.
Kemi Badenoch is quoted as saying that ‘Whether it is rapists being housed in women’s prisons, or instances of men playing in women’s sports where they have an unfair advantage, it is clear that public authorities and regulatory bodies are confused about what the law says on sex and gender and when to act – often for fear of being accused of transphobia, or not being inclusive.’
Last week’s announcement didn’t have any effect on the polls. Will this one at least put Labour in a bind?
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