A call for clarification on the position of transgender provision by Pembrokeshire County Council after a recent Supreme Court judgement was heard by councillors.
Last month, a judgement by the Supreme Court, the UK’s highest court, said that the definition of a woman in equality law is based on biological sex, meaning transgender women with a gender recognition certificate (GRC) can be excluded from single-sex spaces if “proportionate”.
The issue could lead to trans workers having to use either unisex toilets or, if there are none in place, disabled toilets, it has been said.
In a submitted question heard at the May meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council, Councillor John Cole asked: “With the recent judgement of the supreme court, stating a Woman/Female is defined biologically. I would assume the same criteria would also apply to Men / Males, though that was not what the case or judgement was about.
“What effects will this have regarding transgender matters within the council, such as, as an employer, educational matters, health and social care, and all other remits under the Authority’s control, including cloakroom provision, single-sex toilets/changing facilities etc?
“Will the Authority take all measures appropriate to make sure all people are supported regarding this Judgement?”
Responding, the-then Cabinet Member for Communities, Corporate Improvement and the Well-being of Future Generations, Cllr Neil Prior said: “Guidance is being worked on by the Equality and Human Rights Commissioner; once there is a confirmed position the authority will amend its policies accordingly.”
Cllr Cole, given the opportunity to ask supplementary questions following the initial response, told fellow councillors he was happy to wait until that guidance was received.
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