Question

To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, what research has been conducted on the effect of men self-defining as women on (a) women-only services, (b) organisations solely for girls and young women, (c) health commissioning for conditions which are sex-specific and (d) healthcare and other services for people who are transitioning from one sex to another.

This Government has rightly raised the profile of transgender equality in the past few years as many transgender people still encounter prejudice and discrimination. However, this focus has not been to the detriment to women. The Government is dedicated to promoting the equal rights of women and of transgender individuals.

The Government Equalities Office in November 2015 issued “Providing services for transgender customers: a guide” which sets out guidance and good practice examples on the provision of services to trans individuals. It also aims to help service providers comply with the law.

All public authorities, including NHS England, have to comply with the requirements of the Equality Act 2010 and the Public Sector Equality Duty in the development of policy, commissioning and provision of services. This includes paying due regard not only to the needs of men and women but also trans individuals.

While the Government Equalities Office has not commissioned specific research on the access of trans individuals to gender specific services, this will be considered as part of our review into the demedicalising and streamlining of the Gender Recognition Act.