Watch: Nobody expecting "toilet police", says UK equality chief
An interview with Dr. Mary-Ann Stephenson, the new chair of the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC), is set to air this Sunday on BBC with Laura Kuenssberg. It marks Dr. Stephenson's first interview since assuming her new role.
Dr. Stephenson discussed new guidance for businesses and services, which was formulated following a Supreme Court verdict in April that defined a woman by her biological sex for the purposes of the Equality Act 2010.
Dr. Stephenson stated, "things could be sorted out if there is goodwill and recognition that everybody has rights," adding that "nobody is expecting there to be a toilet police." She emphasized the importance of adhering to the forthcoming rules concerning single-sex spaces.
This guidance, awaiting formal government publication for legal enforcement, aims to advise establishments like women's refuges, gyms, hospitals, and shopping centers on implementing the Supreme Court's decision. A leaked 300-page document, viewed by the BBC, suggests that single-sex spaces should be exclusively accessible to individuals of the corresponding biological sex.
The guidance also allows businesses or services to request confirmation of the appropriate sex by "proportionate means," which has fueled controversy among some transgender advocacy groups.
Dr. Stephenson clarified, "Nobody is expecting there to be a toilet police. But equally, if situations arise with regular complaints, improvements may be needed, whether in signage, explanations, or providing alternative options." She anticipated that both service providers and users would comply with the rules.
Addressing concerns about facilities for trans individuals where no alternatives exist, Dr. Stephenson suggested, "There's often unisex provision, and where there isn't, we should think broadly about ensuring those facilities are available. In cases with two self-contained cubicles labeled male and female, a sensible approach might be designating both as unisex."
Dr. Stephenson, who started in her role this July, faced some hostility from trans rights campaigners, partly due to her financial support for lawyer Allison Bailey’s legal case concerning gender-critical views. Nevertheless, Dr. Stephenson insisted on her ability to remain objective on trans issues.
Explaining her donation, she expressed concern about women's experiences related to meetings discussing law changes, asserting, "In a democracy, discussions around legal changes should occur without violence or intimidation. If advocating for democratic discussion is a stance, then that's the side I'm on."
The complete interview with Laura Kuenssberg is scheduled to air on Sunday.