Statement on the Supreme Court ruling by Alex Sobel MP

I am deeply concerned about the implications of the decision of the Supreme Court on the Equality Act 2010 and the Gender Recognition Act 2004. I firmly believe in a society where everyone can lead a life that feels true to them. The right to self-determination is essential for freedom, safety and privacy. 

The purpose of the Supreme Court decision is to supposedly provide clarity, and whilst the independence of our judiciary is fundamental, so far we have only had confusion. There is a real feeling of fear that has far-reaching consequences for anyone who is marginalised - including trans men and women, non-binary and gender queer people, and intersex people. The ruling also creates endless uncertainty for staff in hospitals, shelters, hostels, retail, hospitality and other settings who will be left to police the effects of this court decision. 

We have already seen the British Transport Police state that when strip searches are required, trans women would be searched by male officers. This is not just deeply troubling and problematic but, in my opinion, an overreach of the ruling. 

Campaign Groups in favour of the ruling have stated publicly that the court decision makes navigating single sex spaces '[Trans peoples] problem'. This implicitly rejects minority rights. Making this a problem for trans people alone to resolve will not provide a solution and is no way for a progressive society to act.

Imagine a space that you have occupied for decades is no longer available for you. We already know that trans people are at a disproportionally higher risk of hate crimes, discrimination, murder, domestic abuse, suicide and poorer health outcomes. This does not elevate women's rights, it just pushes trans people into further harm. 

We need a steadfast defence for our trans community, who are ordinary people trying to live their lives. I am a firm believer of self determination, self ID and allowing all to live their lives as long as they do not cause harm to others. Our manifesto was clear that we must protect the freedom for people to explore their sexual orientation and gender identity. 

We need to stick to our manifesto commitment to modernise, simplify, and reform the intrusive and outdated gender recognition law to a new process. We must remove indignities for trans people who deserve recognition and acceptance.

Our trans community are telling me, as their representative, that they are frightened as the state and its services are excluding them. We need to strive for a society with equality of access and services and provides for everyone’s fundamental rights, not one which excludes a minority group.

We need to ensure that trans people are treated with respect, and that everybody is given dignity in their everyday lives. Trans people deserve to be treated with care and compassion which is not the case in the political discourse or society. I will continue to be an ally and deeply care about trans people.