Weekly Round-Up

The EHRC wades in, TikTok is sanctioned, Keir Starmer is in a muddle, and Swim England sees sense

Hello everyone,

Here are some of the biggest stories to emerge over the past week:

1.     EHRC and the Equality Act 2010

In a seismic move, the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) have written to Kemi Badenoch (as Minister for Women and Equalities) on the definition of ‘sex’ in the Equality Act 2010. They are fully entitled to do this under powers given to them by the Equality Act 2006.

In essence, it advises that to define ‘sex’ as ‘biological sex’ would bring about greater legal clarity in a variety of areas, including:

·      Pregnancy

·      Freedom of association for women

·      Freedom of association for gay and lesbian people

·      Positive action

·      Same-sex spaces

·      Sport

·      Data collection

The letter is balanced, measured and well-reasoned. It considers potential disadvantages, as well as human rights implications. It has also emphasised that “detailed policy and legal analysis be undertaken, in compliance with the Public Sector Equality Duty”.

The conclusion is that such a change “merits further consideration”.

According to a number of sources, Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, had pledge to make changes to introduce express legal protections for biological sex.