Very clear article on legal position for retailers and single sex facilities

A query on language, categories and types of institution in case any of you can help. A college has duties as an employer to its staff, but what are its duties to students - are they the same as other 'service providers' like a hospital or department store? Or do other categories come into play?

Yes, I have wondered about M&S changing rooms in my area. I think they are lockable floor to ceiling doors but it just says 'Fitting room' outside. In the women's clothing area there is a large photo of a woman on the wall, whereas in the men's clothing areas, the fitting rooms have a male image on the wall at the entrance. So you'd think they were single sex but I suspect they are mixed sex.

Thank you - I am a member of a society, that offers events to members and the general public. They changed some of their toilets to gender neutral a few years ago. I strongly objected and said that I felt members should have been consulted. I also said that I hoped that staff hadn't been effectively bullied into accepting similar in their areas. It reduced significantly the number of single sex toilets. The organisation refused to engage with me on the matter at all. I think I am slightly stuck in that there are some single sex. The gender neutral have enclosed cubicles, no urinals, and communal handwashing. But I still think it was a cheek. Their attitude towards this and me has actually put me off attending.

Interesting that they have chosen to accompany the (very good) article with a photo of Nottingham where an activist group is currently campaigning to make it the UK's first "trans sanctuary city"

Nice to see someone legal saying what I suspected.

Excellent advice. Balanced, clear and taking account of both sides. Hopefully everyone working for any of the foolish organisations who've sent emoting messages simpering over trans people can forward this to HR, legal & management.
And remember to keep a copy of those "sympathy" emails that were sent out - looks like they'll be helpful should you need to take any action against your employer for discrimination.

Thanks for posting this, I came to see if anyone had after it was tweeted by Helen Joyce. My employer definitely guilty of the hand wringing and sympathy towards one side. Guess which side...

Thank you for posting this

I dunno, Operation Let Them Speak is the gift that keeps on giving, especially when it's admissible in court

This advice is a bit late for some businesses & most of the public sector who have all been sending out their “Our thoughts are with our trans sisters at this difficult time” emails.

I suggest that you avoid sending out messages which express sympathy with one protected group as you will expose your organisation to charges that you are partisan and have ‘picked a side’. And these sorts of communications will be disclosable in any legal proceedings and will be used by your opponent to undermine your credibilty.

I’ve saved the link and will definitely be using this!

Bloody hell, a retail bulletin issues clear guidance on the SC decision. Something that is apparently beyond the NHS, Universities and too many big organisations for me to be bothered to remember.

I hope the GLP gets sent a copy. It might save their marks supporters some money.

Patrick Overall, you nailed it! Nominative determinism at its finest.

I think that is some of the clearest guidance come out of this. I've read as yet. Hopefully retailers will pay attention!