No delay in implementing interim single-sex guidance, says Sarwar

There should be “no delay” in implementing the interim guidance from the UK’s equality watchdog on single sex spaces, the leader of Scottish Labour has said.

The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) released an update following the judgement on Friday which said trans women should not be permitted to use women’s facilities in areas such as hospitals, shops and restaurants.

The judgment defined the term sex in the 2010 Equality Act as meaning biological sex and is expected to have far-reaching implications, with the EHRC expected to provide full guidance in the coming months.

I think it's pretty clear what the EHRC is saying - there should be no delay

Speaking on Monday, First Minister John Swinney said public bodies – such as hospitals, prisons and schools – should wait until the full guidance is published before making changes to policy.

But Anas Sarwar told the PA news agency there should be “no delay”.

“I don’t think there should be any delay – I think the Supreme Court judgement was unequivocal,” he said at the STUC congress in Dundee.

“I think it provides important clarity for women, for public services, for public sector bodies, and the Government should move at pace to implement that ruling.”

He added: “I think it’s pretty clear what the Supreme Court said.

“I think it’s pretty clear what the EHRC is saying – there should be no delay.”

The Scottish Government has been contacted for comment.