Lib Dem calls on council to stand in solidarity with trans community after Supreme Court ruling
A Southwark Liberal Democrat has called on the council to stand in solidarity with the borough’s trans community after last week’s Supreme Court ruling.
Cllr Victor Chamberlain, leader of the Lib Dem opposition on Southwark council, has written to the Mayor of Southwark, the Cabinet Member for Equalities, and the Chief Executive of the council urging them to take “urgent action”.
The call comes after the UK Supreme Court issued a definitive ruling that the terms “woman” and “sex” in the Equality Act refer only to a biological woman and to biological sex last week.
Five judges ruled unanimously that the legal definition of a woman in the Equality Act 2010 did not include transgender women who hold gender recognition certificates (GRCs).
The judgement could have far-reaching consequences, restricting trans women’s access to women-only services and spaces.
Southwark has the fifth largest population of trans people in England, according to the latest census data.
Cllr Chamberlain said: “Southwark has a proud tradition of standing up for equality – but in times like these, that commitment must be visible and meaningful.
“In 2023, the council unanimously backed a Liberal Democrat motion to stand in solidarity with trans people and develop a real plan to tackle the inequalities they face. It’s time to honour that promise.
“Our trans residents deserve to know that their council sees them, values them, and will defend their rights – especially when national institutions are failing to do so.”
In his letter, the councillor urged the local authority to reaffirm its commitment to trans, non-binary and gender-diverse residents, accelerate progress on the LGBTQ+ Action Plan and seek legal advice before making changes to guidance for staff or services.
The letter also urged the council to “exercise caution” to avoid misinterpreting the ruling “in a way that puts trans, non-binary and gender-diverse residents at risk of real harm”.
“Looking forward we are going to closely consider guidance from government and the Equality & Human Rights Commission before deciding if we need to make any changes to policies.”
Labour cllr Stephanie Cryan, Cabinet Member for Equalities, Democracy and Finance said the council would “closely consider” guidance from the government and the Equality & Human Rights Commission before deciding if policy changes were needed.
She said: “I know that the news in recent days has been upsetting for a number of people but we do not want anyone in Southwark to have feelings of exclusion – you are part of our community and we are here to support you.
“Southwark has a proud history of supporting and working with our LGBTQ+ community. The council plays a key role in that work and this will not change now, or ever.”
Pictured top: Cllr Victor Chamberlain (centre) launches Pride in Southwark (Picture: Southwark Liberal Democrats)
