The Conservative Party has instructed all councils under its control to rapidly implement new guidance protecting single-sex spaces, a move that has prompted defiance from several left-wing local authorities. The guidance, issued by the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC), mandates that service providers must prioritize biological sex over gender identity when defining single-sex spaces.
Kemi Badenoch's party asserts that this directive is essential for safeguarding the rights of women and girls. A letter sent on August 7 to Conservative council leaders urges "rapid compliance" with the EHRC's Code of Practice, which came into effect this week. This code clarifies that organizations providing public services, including shops, gyms, and local government bodies, are legally obligated to uphold single-sex facilities based on biological sex.
The directive follows a Supreme Court ruling in April 2025 concerning biological sex. The Conservative Party leadership emphasized their belief in protecting women's and girls' access to single-sex spaces and services, strongly supporting full compliance with the ruling by all local authorities.
However, leaders of six London boroughs—Lambeth, Waltham Forest, Southwark, Hackney, Haringey, and Lewisham—have indicated they may resist the EHRC guidance. In an open letter to Equalities Minister Bridget Phillipson, these councils pledged to maintain inclusive services, stating, "trans women are women, trans men are men." They expressed concern that the guidance could be perceived as an attack on trans individuals seeking to live safely and be treated with respect.
Conservative Party chairman Kevin Hollinrake criticized the stance of Labour, Liberal Democrat, and Green politicians in these councils, calling their refusal to follow the law "pathetic," "reckless," and "dangerous." He stated that Conservatives are committed to ensuring full compliance with the law in all councils under their control to protect single-sex spaces and safeguard women and girls.
The debate has also seen divisions within the Labour Party. MP Samantha Niblett, who previously advocated for a "summer of sex" campaign, described the EHRC code as "clear as mud" and argued it dismisses the lived experiences of trans people. Conversely, fellow Labour MP Tonia Antoniazzi countered that the guidance offers clarification and is necessary for the protection of women and girls, criticizing Niblett's use of trans people as a point in an argument for sex work and pornography advocacy.
A government spokesperson reiterated that all organizations must follow the law, adding that the EHRC code provides clear guidance and that organizations needing further clarification should seek legal advice.