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Written question asked by Lord Strasburger (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 20 January 2026, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 3 February 2026. It was answered by Baroness Smith of Malvern (Labour) on Monday, 2 February 2026 on behalf of the Women and Equalities.


Women: Public Places

Question

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they consider any specific issues relating to who can lawfully access women's single-sex facilities to be open to interpretation, and if so which issues.

Answer

We have always been clear that we support the For Women Scotland ruling, and the protection of single-sex spaces based on biological sex.

The Equality and Human Rights Commission - as the independent regulator - has submitted a draft Code of Practice for Services, Public Functions and Associations to Ministers, and we are working as quickly as we can to review it with the care it deserves. This will provide further guidance to duty bearers on how they should comply with the Equality Act 2010 following the Supreme Court ruling.

In the meantime, we expect duty bearers to implement the ruling and seek specialist legal advice where necessary.

It is for duty bearers to determine the most suitable procedures for reviewing their policies.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL13766
Session
2024-26
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Women Public places
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk