Equalities Minister Bridget Phillipson has urged the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) to prioritise helping the government implement new gender recognition rules rather than engaging in public debate, as tensions grow over delays in approving the watchdog’s guidance.
The EHRC recently called on ministers to act with speed in approving its 300-page statutory guidance on interpreting an April supreme court ruling that defined woman and sex under the Equality Act as referring to biological sex.
The ruling was hailed by gender-critical campaigners but sparked concern among transgender rights groups.
Phillipson, who is also education secretary, told the media that ministers were reviewing the complex document line by line and consulting devolved governments, stressing that the process could not be rushed.
She criticised the EHRC for focusing too much on public commentary, saying: “A bit more focus on that providing necessary information and a little less on public debate would be helpful.”
The EHRC has argued that an assessment of business costs is unnecessary and accused ministers of stalling.
Meanwhile a government source dismissed claims of deliberate delay, saying: “This is a long and legally complex document. We make no apology for taking time to ensure it is sound.”
Dozens of Labour MPs have warned that the potential guidance could create legal confusion for businesses and service providers. Phillipson said her goal was to balance protection for women’s single-sex spaces with fairness and safety for trans people.
