Full Breakdown
MPs Mobilise to Block EHRC Draft Code of Practice
6/6/2026, 11:33:56 PM
Core Event & Timeline
On 21 May the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) published a draft Code of Practice for services, public functions and associations, setting a 40-day period before it automatically takes effect. A cross-bench early day motion (EDM) was tabled the following week to seek disapproval, and signatures have been gathering since.
Background & Impact
The draft defines access to single-sex spaces on the basis of “biological sex”, covering toilets, changing rooms and shelters. Proponents claim it clarifies existing duties; opponents warn it could normalise segregation of trans + people and erode broader LGBTQIA+ protections. The draft also outlines responsibilities for staff training and record-keeping, which critics say could enable discriminatory monitoring.
Parliamentary Support
So far 93 MPs – about 14 % of the House – have signed the EDM, including members from Labour, the Liberal Democrats, the Greens and independents, showing cross-party concern.
Figures and Groups
The motion was tabled by a coalition. Voices include Seima Malhotra (Labour Equalities minister), Liberal Democrat spokespeople, Green leader Zak Polanski, the Trans + Solidarity Alliance and the LGBTQIA+ coalition (TGEU).
Official Statements & Responses
Seima Malhotra (Labour) said the party would not “weaken” the Equality Act and would not treat any community as a “political football”. Liberal Democrats called the draft “not fit for purpose”. Greens warned the code would be overly restrictive and could harm trans + people. Trans + Solidarity Alliance warned the approach could usher in “a dark era of people being challenged for their compliance with gender stereotypes”. European LGBTQIA+ groups also condemned the draft for deepening trans exclusion. The government has not indicated whether it will allocate time for a debate.
Criticism & Opposition
Trans + advocacy groups argue the code would force trans + people out of public life, weaken LGBTQIA+ protections, and lack clarity on whether services can serve both “biological” women and trans women, risking discriminatory practice. Sources differ on the definition of “single-sex” access, leaving uncertainty about legal obligations for public bodies. They also note the code lacks safeguards for trans + people facing harassment in single-sex facilities.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources disagree on whether the code permits trans-inclusive services, creating uncertainty about the legal definition of “single-sex” access.
Verbatim Quotes
- “In a statement to the House this week, Seema Malhotra, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Equalities, said that Labour was proud of being the party that passed the Equality Act and would not “weaken it”, adding that Labour refused to use any community as a "political football".” — Seima Malhotra, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Equalities
- “the right for members of the public to challenge one another on their sex and their access to those spaces” — Seima Malhotra
- “extraordinarily inflammatory and dangerous contribution,” — Trans + Solidarity Alliance
- “impractical, intrusive and inhumane” — Green Party (Zak Polanski)
What’s Next
The EDM must trigger a debate and vote; the government controls the timetable, though an opposition-day motion could force a vote. If disapproval fails, advocates plan legal challenges and campaigns to contest implementation.
