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Keir Starmer Responds to Supreme Court Ruling on Gender Recognition
Keir Starmer has expressed his approval of what he described as the “real clarity” offered by last week’s Supreme Court decision regarding gender recognition. He emphasized the need for organizations to create guidance in light of this ruling.
This marks a significant shift for Starmer, who previously held a different stance on the matter during his campaign for Labour leadership when he endorsed a pledge asserting that “trans women are women.” He had also critiqued former Labour MP Rosie Duffield for her comments asserting that only women possess a cervix. In response to questions from ITV West Country about his current views on the issue, Starmer stated, “I think the supreme court has answered that question.”
He further clarified his position, noting, “A woman is an adult female, and the court has made that absolutely clear. I actually welcome the judgment because I think it gives real clarity. It allows those that have got to draw up guidance to be really clear about what that guidance should say.” He reiterated his support for the ruling, indicating that it was a step forward and provided essential clarity in a complex area.
Concerns about the potential consequences of the ruling for transgender individuals have been voiced by several Labour MPs. Bridget Phillipson, currently serving as both the education secretary and the equalities brief holder, addressed these worries earlier in the day. Drawing from her prior experience managing a women’s refuge, she highlighted the importance of ensuring that women, particularly those who have experienced violence, have access to safe spaces.
In an interview on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, Phillipson stated, “I can be crystal clear with you that we welcome the ruling.” She assured that the Equality and Human Rights Commission would collaborate with ministers to develop new guidance regarding the implementation of the Supreme Court’s decision.
When questioned about the implications for transgender individuals using facilities based on this ruling, Phillipson indicated that if only single-sex bathrooms were available, a transgender woman would need to use the male facilities. However, she underscored the necessity for safe and respectful access to services for everyone. She remarked, “Of course, where it comes to provisions such as changing facilities, hospital facilities and others, there needs to be appropriate and available services there for all people, including trans people.”
Phillipson also noted that many public places offer unisex or self-contained bathrooms suitable for transgender individuals to use. Under existing building regulations established by the previous government—which have remained unchanged—new public buildings in England must prioritize single-sex restrooms, with universal toilets available only when space permits.
Phillipson emphasized the importance of considering environments where people may stay for extended periods, such as healthcare facilities, rape crisis centers, and women’s refuges. She articulated her belief that the Supreme Court’s ruling clarifies that such facilities can be established based on biological sex, which is crucial for the healing and therapeutic support necessary for women who have suffered from male violence.
She concluded, “What they have said consistently, and what campaigners have worked for over many decades, is to ensure that that provision does exist and can be single-sex. And the ruling has made that clear, and made it clear beyond any doubt.”
Source
www.theguardian.com