Spreadsheet of local authorities that record sex not gender - let's complete it together!

[DJLippy]

Started this in response to this thread
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3271841-does-your-local-authority-equality-policy-exclude-sex-as-a-protected-characteristic

We need to contact all local authorities and make sure that they record sex as a protected characteristic and not gender

Someone on Twitter (NorthernJugni) has set up an editable spreadsheet that anyone can add to. She’s added all of the local authorities

docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1hxZ6n4ovGRtGD2Q85NIrRnpGmMbdgc3XDsezQojxLXg/htmlview

It would be really useful if somebody could help those without much experience in contacting the local council by proving a basic message that they could copy and paste. It would save time and make us sound professional. Anybody feel confident with this?

Here is a clicky link I hope this works for people!

docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1hxZ6n4ovGRtGD2Q85NIrRnpGmMbdgc3XDsezQojxLXg/htmlview

cc in your MP.

Dear Sira

I refer to your Equality Policy dated xxx.

You have failed to list the correct protected characteristics of sex and / or gender reassignment as set out in the Equality Act 2010. I am therefore concerned that all your related policies regarding sex and gender reassignment should be reviewed.

Of particular importance is your treatment of single sex services and facilities.if the council has failed to undertake consultations with affected service users, equality impact assessments and thorough safeguarding with regards to allowing transgender individuals to “opt in” to single sex services then there is a considerable risk you areindirectly discriminating against women in breach of the Equality Actand/or creating a hostile environment for women again in breach of the Equality Act. In all cases a third service or third space should be considered for transgender individuals.

I consider failure to seriously contemplate adverse consequences of allowing transgender women into single sex services to be gross negligence.

I can't edit that on my phone but Staffordshire county council is a NO. Does not mention sex, only gender.

and make us sound professional.

Well don't go with Elletorro's suggested masterpiece then, they will have you pegged as a 'professional crank' before they've even finished reading it.

Thats kind of my job description SMG.

Which side are you on @Super? I was just about to mindlessly copy and paste but now I am thinking twice #OwnGoal

Apart from the fact that the opening appears very accusatory, it also seems to suggest that councils should not allow trans people to use the toilets of their presenting 'sex' or 'gender'. Most polices advise that they should. That includes Unite Union and the Equality and Human Rights Commission.

I don't do 'sides'.

Sex needs to be recorded to record sex based discrimination

Lincolnshire v confused. State Gender, gender identity.

It's one thing to suggest they use the correct term 'sex'.

It's another to then segue into an implication that they should not allow trans people to use the facilities of their acquired gender/ sex (except in exceptional circumstances) and yet another to suggest third spaces.

The letter is to councils that don’t know their arse from their elbow.

They need to be a little bit scared.

EHRC guidance suggests a separate space for children in school.

A third space would resolve the issue. Neither women nor transwomen would be discriminated against nor would either be subjected to a hostile environment.

I’d happily speak with Unite about their policy. They probably need some advice

If they don’t know their protected characteristics then most of their policies concerning those characteristics are going to be at best misguided.

Just look at Girlguiding

Does anybody with experience want to share it in terms of how to navigate local authority websites?

I have no idea where to look! I am sure I am not the only person wondering...

When I looked at West Sussex earlier I think it had clicky links to the actual act re protected characteristics, now I find this
"We are currently refreshing our overarching Equality and Inclusion policy, and so the policy is not currently available. Once the refresh is complete, the Policy will be published on our website."

Calls for some representations to councillors etc to make sure gender and sex are not conflated.

It's no wonder most of them are confused. Mermaids and Stonewall and their ilk have been very busy providing training on this area. Has anyone looked yet at the NHS or police forces?

I can't see my local authority on there. I'm in Wales.

OK I figured out - google - for info
'xxxx council protected characteristics'
Otherwise look in the Equality and Diversity section of the sight

Scotland's not on there either...

Can you add things?

Just found this. V recently updated so good for sending to confused councils.

www.equalityhumanrights.com/en/equality-act/protected-characteristics

North Lincolnshire list Sex.

Can't add mine, it won't let me edit

If anyone else can, Sandwell lists sex

If anyone has struggled to add details follow this like here
docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/17_04bg_cSnls0DhvfUnikX7XpYjtiQktqXN_NZm3I7U/edit#gid=636976797

I just googled leeds city council equality statement and it popped up. We still have sex in leeds!

I can't edit it?

If anyone can tell me how I would be grateful.

Or if anyone wants to put in a "N" for sex mentioned for Warrington Borough Council and a note that they don't seem to have a published Equalities and Diversity Policy but both their recruitment policy and 2016 review refer only to gender and gender assignment. No mention of sex anywhere.

I've tweeted them to ask where the current policy can be found and to point out that the documents currently available appear to make their policies unlawful.