Lambeth Council has passed a motion opposing the Equality and Human Rights Commission's (EHRC) draft code of practice, with councillors expressing significant concerns about its potential to negatively impact transgender, intersex, and gender non-conforming individuals.
The motion, initially brought forward by the Green Group, was approved after amendments proposed by the Liberal Democrats were accepted. These amendments focused on ensuring the council acts lawfully and conducts appropriate consultations.
Councillor Ciara Alleyne, proposing the motion for the Green Group, argued that the EHRC's draft code is vague and unworkable
and could turn back any progress already made for trans, intersex and gender non-conforming individuals.
She stated that the guidelines present the danger of discrimination and prejudice in the spaces where we should all be prioritising care, support and service provision.
Councillor Alleyne warned that Trans women will be forced into using men's services and vice versa, exposing them to unimaginable harm in many cases when they are at their most vulnerable.
She stressed the importance of inclusive services where transgender people can use facilities aligned with their gender identity, asserting, Trans women are women. Trans men are men. Trans rights are human rights. Let us work together to build a land that is fair, equitable and just.
Councillor Nadia Burrell of the Labour Group echoed these concerns, expressing solidarity with the trans community and highlighting the potential for the code to increase discrimination and violence
against them. She added, The safety of trans people and their ability to live life day to day without fear of threat or violence is something that should concern all of us.
Liberal Democrat Councillor Keita Ogden proposed amendments to ensure the council adheres to legal requirements, stating, Any actions taken by the Council need to be consistent with the law.
His amendments also emphasised the importance of consulting in the best and most appropriate way.
In the context of these amendments, 'affordable and appropriate consultation' means a process that can be afforded and is appropriate,
with the initial step being an email to service providers asking for feedback to get the ball rolling rather than waiting for a full costed option.
An amendment from the Labour Group, which sought to change the motion's core commitment from outright opposition to seeking legal advice on it,
was debated and voted against. Councillor Burrell explained that their intention was to support Lambeth Council in being fully inclusive to trans people by seeking legal advice on choosing not to implement the EHRC code of practice for services.
Following the passing of the motion, Lambeth Council intends to act lawfully and responsibly
and consult as widely as possible to ensure that our own policies work for lonely people.
The council will take legal advice
but will not plead into submission where important matters of principle are at stake.
The motion also calls for the council to stand up for what we believe in
and to take a stand against the rising tide of hatred and the other stronger attacks against human rights and the principles of equality.
Concerns were also raised that the draft code suggests disabled toilets as a workaround for trans inclusion, which could marginalise disabled communities.
Further details on the council's proceedings can be found in the Public reports pack and the Agenda frontsheet.
