EHRC single-sex spaces guidance being adapted under ‘constructive’ new chair

The Guardian - World NewsEN 3 min read 100% complete by Peter Walker Senior political correspondentJanuary 27, 2026 at 10:27 AM

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The EHRC is adapting its guidance on implementing the Supreme Court ruling defining "woman" as biological sex, aiming for a more balanced approach between single-sex spaces and transgender rights. Discussions between the EHRC and government lawyers are ongoing since the initial guidance was sent to ministers in September. The change in approach is attributed to the new EHRC chair, Mary-Ann Stephenson, who is perceived as more open to addressing concerns about the guidance's implementation than her predecessor. While the government remains committed to single-sex spaces, the revised guidance seeks to minimize the impact on transgender individuals and reduce potential costs and confusion for businesses. The goal is to achieve a more pragmatic approach in interpreting and applying the Supreme Court ruling.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Labour Party 30% United Kingdom Parliament 40% London 40% United Kingdom Supreme Court ×260% Kishwer Falkner ×260% Mary-Ann Stephenson ×370% Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) ×790%

Keywords

single-sex spaces 100% ehrc guidance 90% transgender people 90% equality and human rights commission 80% supreme court ruling 70% mary-ann stephenson 60% biological sex 60% code of practice 50% kishwer falkner 50% legal definition of a woman 40%