Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Hugh Bayley and Maria Miller

Thursday 30th January 2014 Commons Chamber

[Maria Miller]

The hon. Gentleman will know that it is very important that Team GB see that the British Government are behind them every step of the way. I make no apology for the fact that the Minister for sport and I are going to the winter Olympics. I hope that the hon. Gentleman will join me in saying that the team have our very best wishes.

[Hugh Bayley (York Central) (Lab)]

2. What assessment she has made of the feasibility of issuing non-gender-specific official documents to people who do not identify as a particular gender.

[The Minister for Women and Equalities (Maria Miller)]

Non-gender is not recognised in UK law. The Equality Act 2010 protects people from discrimination if it arises from their being perceived as either male or female. We recognise that a very small number of people consider themselves to be of neither gender. We are not aware that that results in any specific detriment, and it is not Government policy to identify such people for the purpose of issuing non-gender-specific official documents.

[Hugh Bayley]

There is a wider point to make. This week, when Hayley Cropper’s funeral takes place on “Coronation Street”, would it not be a good time for the Government to announce that they are taking further steps to reinforce and implement their transgender plan of action, and perhaps to consult on the format of official documents? When can we expect further thought on this matter and a statement?