The definition of “sex” in the Equality Act 2010 debated by MPs
On Monday 12 June, MPs debated two petitions relating to the definition of “sex”.
MPs debated the following petitions:
“Update the Equality Act to make clear the characteristic “sex” is biological sex”
This petition, which had 109,463 signatures, states: “The Government must exercise its power under s.23 of the Gender Recognition Act to modify the operation of the Equality Act 2010 by specifying the terms sex, male, female, man & woman, in the operation of that law, mean biological sex and not ‘sex as modified by a Gender Recognition Certificate’.”
In its response to the petition, provided on 26 January 2023, the Government said: “Under the Equality Act 2010, providers are already able to restrict the use of spaces/services on the basis of sex and/or gender reassignment where justified. Further clarification is not necessary.”
“Commit to not amending the Equality Act’s definition of sex”
This petition, which had 138,886 signatures, states: “It has been reported that the Government may amend the Equality Act to ‘make it clear that sex means biological sex rather than gender.’ The Government has previously committed to not remove legal protections for trans people, an already marginalised group, but this change would do so.”
In its response to the petition, provided on 25 January 2023, the Government said: “This Government believes in individual liberty. There are processes with appropriate checks to allow for those who wish to legally change their gender. Changes to the Equality Act are not necessary.”
What are petitions debates?
Petitions debates are ‘general’ debates which allow MPs from all parties to discuss the important issues raised by one or more petitions, and put their concerns to Government Ministers.
Petition debates don’t end with a vote to implement the request of a petition. This means MPs will not vote on the requests of the petitions at the end of the debate.
Miriam Margolyes says she “never had any shame about being gay” as she makes her British Vogue cover debut aged 82.
The award-winning actress, known for her foul mouth and lovable eccentricity, said gay people are “not conventional” and she “wouldn’t want to be straight for anything”.
She has been with her partner – academic Heather Sutherland – for 54 years.
Rainbow Lottery – Bring the magic of the big screen into your home!
This June we’ve got another blockbuster prize to thank you for supporting Out In The City …
If you’re in the draw on Saturday 24 June, you could win this amazing Sony Home Theatre Bundle – a 4k 55” smart TV, and a wireless home theatre 5.1 sound system! Bring the magic of the big screen into your home – watch blockbuster movies, enjoy gaming, or catch the big cup final the way they’re meant to be seen!
The special prize draw will take place on Saturday 24 June. There’s no need to buy separate tickets, you will be automatically entered into this prize draw. Of course, you are welcome to buy additional tickets. Every ticket you buy is an extra chance to win, and an extra fundraising boost for Out In The City. All this for just £1 a week.
Thank you and good luck!
Buy tickets here.
Danny Beard Podcast On Same Sex Love and Marriage
On this podcast Danny Beard meets the first same-sex couple in the UK to get married.
Danny sits down for a chat with two trailblazers, Peter McGraith and David Cabreza, the first same-sex couple to marry in the United Kingdom.
We hear why the couple decided to get hitched, why being the first was important for them and how they feel 10 years on.
It’s a conversation that takes Danny into territory Danny hadn’t thought of before!
Listen here
Refugee Week is a UK-wide festival celebrating the contributions, creativity and resilience of refugees and people seeking sanctuary.
Founded in 1998 and held every year around World Refugee Day on the 20 June, Refugee Week, celebrated from 19 June to 25 June, is also a growing global movement.
In many parts of the world people who are LGBT+ cannot live an open life. In the province of South Kivu in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) violence has been unleashed.
Recent cases include the suicide of two lesbian women, the attempted murder of a gay man and cases of persecution and “corrective rape” of trans and lesbian women.
All this is happening in a country in which homosexuality is not even a crime.
This is why Jérémie Safari has launched a petition calling on the DRC authorities to punish offenders, rescue victims and recognise the fundamental rights of LGBT+ people.
Join Jérémie in standing up to hate and protecting the rights of the LGBT+ community.
Out in the City 