THE COUNCIL is being urged to make sure not to introduce any new policies that will “undermine the rights and safety” of local trans people, following the landmark Supreme Court ruling earlier this month.
On April 16, the UK Supreme Court ruled that the legal definition of a woman, when being determined by the Equality Act, should be based on biological sex.
The ruling does not remove the protections for transgender people that are also set out in the Equality Act, however it may have implications for some aspects of life, such as the use of spaces such as single-sex toilets and changing rooms.
The landmark ruling means that even if a trans woman has an official certificate to say he has changed gender, they may not be allowed to use these spaces.
Many public bodies here have said they are still considering the implications of the ruling.
Last week, Fermanagh and Omagh District Council became the first to issue a statement on its intentions.
The Council said it did not currently have a policy on single sex spaces, but it would be developing new guidance for the use of changing rooms at leisure facilities and toilets further to the Supreme Court ruling.
The Council added it would be implementing the provisions of the ruling across its estate.
In a statement to the ‘Herald, a Council spokesman said, “The Council will be developing new guidance for the use of changing rooms at leisure facilities and toilets further to the Supreme Court ruling.
“It is understood that the Equality Commission NI intends to issue written guidance on this matter, and the Council will be cognisant of this.”
Omagh Pride, which works closely with Fermanagh Pride, has said the Supreme Court ruling was “yet another decision that would have a deeply adverse impact on trans people, adding to isolation and putting their safety at risk.”
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