EHRC Code of Practice Guidance

Today the Government has approved a new Code of Practice from the EHRC that interprets the Equality Act. 

This document tells service providers that they can exclude trans people from single-sex spaces. This is unlikely to mean that trans people will be excluded routinely, especially from basic services like toilets, but it does mean it may happen more often.

In response to requests from both trans young people and trans adults we support, we’ve co-developed guidance for trans and non-binary adults, and separate guidance for young people on what the new Code of Practice means, how to assess your safety in public spaces, and what to do when challenged.

What should I know:

The Code of Practice applies to organisations, not individuals.

There is not going to be a ‘toilet police’ and it is not a crime to use spaces and facilities that align with your gender. 

However, it may be more likely that services will challenge trans people or ask trans people not to use single-sex spaces.

It means that we will not always know if an organisation or venue is going to be trans inclusive. This is not new to us as trans people.

Ultimately, what this means is that you will need to assess and check your safety as you move through the world. Again, this is not new. We have always needed to assess our safety in toilets, changing rooms and in spaces with strangers.

Download our guidance today:

For more information and guidance on how to assess your safety in public spaces, and what to do when challenged, see our adult or youth guidance below.