The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) issues an updated code of practice setting out how equality law applies to “single-sex” spaces in England, Wales and Scotland. The guidance follows a Supreme Court ruling and is intended for businesses and service providers that run services with sex-segregated facilities.
According to the updated code, single-sex toilets and changing rooms must exclude transgender people. The EHRC also says providers should make practical alternative arrangements for people who do not wish to use services for their biological sex, including offering options such as gender-neutral toilets.
The update extends beyond toilets to other single-sex facilities, including changing rooms. The EHRC describes the guidance as long-awaited and frames it as a compliance reference for organisations seeking to balance the legal requirements around sex-separated services with accessibility for those affected by the operation of these spaces.
