The Green Party has called for the withdrawal of the Equality and Human Rights Commission’s (EHRC) interim guidance on single-sex spaces, describing it as "ill-considered and impractical." This guidance, issued following a UK Supreme Court ruling, defines women strictly by biological sex under the Equality Act 2010 and restricts trans women-biological males-from accessing women’s facilities in places like hospitals and shops. While the guidance mandates that trans people should not be left without facilities, Green Party co-leader Carla Denyer criticized it for increasing the risk of discrimination against trans individuals and for ignoring their perspectives during its formulation.

Denyer expressed concerns that the guidance could cause distress within the trans community and create confusion for employers, businesses, and service providers. She highlighted that the guidance also restricts lesbian-only groups and venues from admitting trans women, effectively barring inclusive spaces. The Green Party argues that the guidance contradicts the UK’s tradition of tolerance and calls for a more comprehensive approach that includes the voices of all affected parties. They advocate for the EHRC to retract the current guidance and conduct a thorough consultation before issuing a revised code of practice.

The guidance stems from the Supreme Court’s interpretation that the terms “woman” and “sex” in the Equality Act refer to biological sex, allowing for the exclusion of trans women from women-only spaces. However, it also acknowledges that trans people must not be left without access to facilities, suggesting mixed-sex or lockable single-use rooms as alternatives. The government has welcomed the ruling as providing clarity but has not indicated enforcement measures, with some ministers acknowledging practical challenges in implementation.

The debate has sparked broader political discussion, with figures like Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey calling for parliamentary debate to clarify rights, and Scottish politicians emphasizing the need to protect trans rights alongside women’s rights. The EHRC plans a two-week consultation in May to gather input before finalizing its guidance, reflecting ongoing tensions between legal rulings and social inclusion.