Lambeth Council is set to debate a motion addressing transgender safety following interim guidance from the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC). The discussion is scheduled for the council meeting on 16 July 2025, where councillors will consider the implications of a recent Supreme Court judgment on sex and gender.
The Liberal Democrats' motion references the Supreme Court judgment in For Women Scotland v The Scottish Ministers and interim guidance published by the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) as prompting the motion, stating that the Supreme Court judgment and the EHRC guidance has caused great anxiety, uncertainty, and fear for the trans community.
The motion also notes the Supreme Court judgment in For Women Scotland v The Scottish Ministers, which ruled that the terms man,
woman,
and sex
in the Equality Act 2010 refer to biological sex.
The Liberal Democrats have put forward a motion affirming the council's support for trans, non-binary, and gender-diverse residents, and committing to defending their rights and dignity. The motion calls on the government and parliament to legislate to restore the rights of trans people, based on the premise that trans women are women, trans men are men, and non-binary people are non-binary.
The motion asks the Leader of the Council, Councillor Claire Holland, to write to the Minister for Women and Equalities to clarify the council's position and seek guidance on how existing legislation will protect the rights of trans people and what new legislation is envisaged. It also seeks legal advice before altering guidance for staff or the provision of services in light of the Supreme Court judgment.
Furthermore, the motion proposes providing gender-neutral bathrooms and changing room facilities where lawful, appropriate, and practical, separate from and including similar facilities for disabled people. It also commits to ensuring that Lambeth is welcoming and inclusive to the LGBT+ community, embracing difference and ensuring action to secure the safety of all residents.
The Labour group has proposed an amendment to the original motion, seeking to await developing guidance and a statutory code of practice for public bodies following the Supreme Court ruling
. The document does not specify a timeline for its development and release. The amendment also includes working with Lambeth's LGBTQ+ staff forum, E&J Panel, and local LGBTQ+ partners and groups to advance inclusivity within the organisation and borough.
At the meeting, Councillor Isla Wrathmell (Active Travel Champion) asked Councillor Nanda Manley-Browne (Cabinet Member for Healthier Communities (job-share)) what actions the administration would take to ensure the safety and dignity of transgender people in Lambeth, following interim guidance from the EHRC. Councillor Manley-Browne responded that the council acknowledges the Supreme Court Judgement in relation to the Equality Act 2010 which ruled that the legal term woman
refers to biological sex under the Act. She also noted that the judgement does not change the legal protections against discrimination and harassment that trans people have under the Equality Act 2010.
Councillor Rezina Chowdhury (Deputy Leader of the Council (Sustainable Lambeth and Clean Air)) spoke about the council's commitment to equity and justice: as a borough with equity and justice at our heart, we will act to protect you and other vulnerable residents like you.
