The Conservative Party has directed all Tory-run local authorities across the country to promptly implement new guidance designed to protect single-sex spaces. This directive follows a declaration by several left-leaning councils that they intend to disregard the guidance, arguing it is detrimental to the rights of transgender people.
A letter sent to Conservative council leaders and Tory group leaders on August 7th urges "rapid compliance" with the new rules, referencing a Supreme Court ruling from April 2025 concerning biological sex. The guidance, issued by the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC), mandates that service providers must enforce single-sex spaces based on biological sex rather than gender identity. This applies to a wide range of public services, including shops, gyms, local government, the NHS, and correctional facilities.
In contrast, leaders from six London boroughs—Lambeth, Waltham Forest, Southwark, Hackney, Haringey, and Lewisham—have indicated they may resist the EHRC guidance. In an open letter, these councils stated their commitment to maintaining inclusive services and affirmed that "trans women are women, trans men are men." They expressed concern that the guidance could be perceived as an attack on transgender individuals seeking to live safely and with respect.
Conservative Party chairman Kevin Hollinrake criticized the stance of Labour, Liberal Democrat, and Green politicians in these councils, calling their refusal to comply with the law "pathetic" and "reckless and dangerous." He asserted that only the Conservatives are committed to ensuring full compliance with the law to protect single-sex spaces and safeguard women and girls.
The situation has also sparked internal debate within the Labour Party. MP Samantha Niblett described the EHRC code as unclear and argued it dismisses the lived experiences of transgender people. However, fellow Labour MP Tonia Antoniazzi countered that the guidance offers clarification and is necessary for the protection of women and girls, accusing Niblett of using transgender issues to advance a pro-sex work agenda.
A government spokesperson stated that all organizations are expected to follow the law and that the EHRC code provides clear, workable guidance. They advised that any organizations with lingering uncertainty should seek specialist legal counsel.