NHS bans transwomen from female space

Fair point. Can't argue with that.

Possibly. However, if there is no money in their budget, then there is no money.

If there is money, but the NHS would rather spend it on something else, who is going to force them to spend it appropriately so that women have their single-sex spaces again?

Oh, I know! - That would be another tribunal. The same as we are having to do now.

Small men, and gay men, and old men and just men in general also get raped in men’s prisons

NOT WOMEN’S PROBLEM TO SOLVE.

Whats the consensus on here about transwomen who have gone all the way and had a full reassignment surgery? Do you think this should still apply? Should they be put in a men's prison too?

Not trying to provoke an argument btw. I don't think someone with a penis should be allowed in women's spaces unless they're a very young kid with their mum, women's safety should be the priority. But transwomen get raped and sexually assaulted by men (and presumably other transwomen) too.

Long overdue, I’m concerned that there are loopholes but overall a big step in the right direction and will make the legal position clearer when challenges occur. Well done everyone for pushing this when they really didn’t want to concede it.

Good

about bloody time

It can also be read as 'You aren't going to kick this down the road by saying you're waiting for funding to direct them to use somewhere other than the female staff's changing room, get on and do it'.

EIAs should consider cumulative and intersectional impacts and they should extend beyond protected characteristics alone. They should be informed by engagement with staff, including staff networks and trade unions and take on board feedback. Where any restrictions or exclusions under the Equality Act 2010 are applied, these must be objectively justified, evidence-based, documented and proportionate.

[bold, mine: "getting ahead of the law, anyone?]

OK, I'm done with this. Am I confident things will actually change in the next five years? No.

About fucking time - finally, some common sense. It's outrageous that we should be applauding something so fundamental as the return to single sex spaces though.

All facilities should be designed or reviewed to ensure a sufficient number are fully accessible, including for disabled staff. Organisations should carefully consider the rights of all staff groups and the impacts on each group.

[bold, mine: staff groups don't have rights, individuals do, based on protected characteristics. "Staff groups " is loaded terminology]

Organisations are responsible for providing the resources needed to meet this legal duty, whether that is time, capital costs or specialist expertise.

[bold, mine: capital costs, perfect excuse for no action: where's the money going to come from?]

To ensure compliance with their legal duties, NHS organisations should review and update existing policies relating to the use of staff facilities (for example, changing, washing and showering areas, toilets, and staff accommodation) or develop guidance if it does not exist. Policies should be in line with the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992, the Equality Act 2010and Gender Recognition Act 2004.

[bold, mine: and how long will this take? Another 18 months?]

https://www.thetimes.com/article/b7520a5b-e337-4fd5-9856-87aef70f205c?shareToken=3894b9fa1aae276262643b171bb88e0e

The Code makes clear that if a service is provided only to women and trans women or only to men and trans men, it is not a single-sex service under the Equality Act 2010.

First weasely statement right from the start. Technically and legally correct, but worded back to front for obfuscation purposes, is what I'm reading.

Thank goodness.

Here we go folks - tooth combs at the ready:

https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/guidance-on-nhs-staff-facilities/

Thank you to the brilliant FWS women who got us here, if it sticks.

Sorry! I need to keep up at the back.

Well we have the words (though they can still be misinterpreted; not keen on 'should') now lets see the DEEDS

Thank you - was a poorly worded joke 🤦‍♀️

Fine-toothed comb. Comb with fine teeth.

This is good news however the foot dragging and obfuscation will do doubt continue. A few of us in Knotty's audit team did a follow up of FOI's for a sample of trusts about 6 months ago. Almost all were 'waiting for guidance'. Two had updated policies since the SC but in neither case did they look to be complying with the law. I'll believe it when I see it!

Also: the actual guidance is due to drop at 4pm today. Be assured the NHS auditors and co will be all over it, brandishing fine tooth combs. (Fine-tooth combs? Fine tooth-combs?)

Finally managed to get an archive version:

https://archive.ph/Jw3Y1