Gender Recognition Act Consultation Debate

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Department: Department for International Trade

Gender Recognition Act Consultation

Jackie Doyle-Price Excerpts
Thursday 24th September 2020

(4 years, 2 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Elizabeth Truss Portrait Elizabeth Truss
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In my statement, I outlined the work we are doing to improve transgender healthcare. In all the research work and engagement we have done, that comes out as the No. 1 issue for transgender people. Focusing on improving those healthcare services is the way to help people lead better lives.

Jackie Doyle-Price Portrait Jackie Doyle-Price (Thurrock) (Con)
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My right hon. Friend’s statement will make it easier for people to be who they want to be, while maintaining the integrity of the Equality Act. Many women have felt anxious during this process, so will she reconfirm her support for single-sex spaces where reasonable?

Elizabeth Truss Portrait Elizabeth Truss
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My hon. Friend is right that we are striking a balance between the rights of transgender people and the rights of women. The position is clear in the Equality Act that service providers can restrict the use of spaces on the basis of biological sex, and it is important that women’s spaces, which have been hard fought for over generations, are protected.