Yorkshire council accused of 'turning a blind eye' to gender ruling
Women's rights campaigners in Leeds have accused the city council of "turning a blind eye" to its legal responsibilities as it awaits Government guidance.
The Supreme Court ruled last year that, for the purposes of the Equality Act, the legal definition of a 'woman' was based on biological sex.
This could have a huge impact on access to ‘women’s only’ services, such as refuges or toilets.
Now campaigners in Leeds, speaking before a full council meeting yesterday, have called for changes to be brought in more urgently.
Leeds City Council (LCC), along with almost all groups and bodies nationwide, has stressed however that it must wait for a new code of conduct to be approved by Parliament.
Three representatives from the Leeds branch of the Women's Rights Network spoke in a deputation before councillors in the city yesterday.
"Supreme Court judgements are law and have immediate effect," they claimed.
"Leadership means acting now, not turning a blind eye to your legal responsibilities under the guise of waiting for further guidance. Waiting for a new code is not a lawful position."
Last year, the Supreme Court ruled that the legal definition of a 'woman' was based on biological sex.
The ramifications could be huge, outlining for authorities such as LCC who potentially can access its 'women's only' services such as refuges or toilets.
Most organisations, however, are waiting for a new code of practice from the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) which will outline how to put it into practice.
And Government Ministers have warned they must take the time that is necessary to ensure the code is right first time, minimising disruption. But campaigners, speaking yesterday, warned that those who delay will not be able to defend themselves against claims brought against them.
Women in Leeds have faced "hostility, silencing and reputational damage" for expressing gender critical views, they claimed, with some losing their jobs as a result.
The campaigners added: "This is partly because those who don't like the Supreme Court ruling feel emboldened by the failure of elected leaders to act promptly and decisively."
Campaigners have asked that LCC immediately implement the ruling across all relevant policies and practices.
And they also asked that they provide clarity on the scope of its ongoing review. After a vote, with 86 in favour and one against, councillors agreed to refer the matter to the relevant director.