Response to EHRC interventions on trans rights

'The recent interventions by the Equality and Human Rights Commission concerning the rights of trans and non-binary people are deeply concerning. In calling for delays to the reform of the Gender Recognition Act in Scotland and failing to back a wholescale ban on LGBT+ conversion therapy, the EHRC is actively undermining the interests of the trans and non-binary community.

'These developments are just the latest in a string of interventions which fly in the face of the EHRC's stated purpose to promote and uphold equality and human rights ideals. They are particularly concerning in light of the involvement of senior EHRC staff in legal cases seeking to limit access to trans healthcare, and wider reports of high-level meetings with groups seeking to restrict trans rights.

'UCU has clear policy, formed through our democratic structures, in support of GRA reform which will make it easier for trans people to gain legal recognition of their gender. As UCU's response to the Scottish Government's consultation makes clear, the current lengthy and medicalised process is not fit for purpose and needs to change. We reject attempts to position GRA reform as a threat to the legal protections which are in place for other groups, and urge the Scottish Government to move ahead with its proposals.'UCU is also clear that we cannot settle for half measures in relation to the ban on LGBT+ conversion therapy. All parts of the LGBT+ community deserve protection from these harmful practices and we reject the EHRC's assertion that the scope of legislation should exclude trans people and be limited only to sexual orientation.'