New UK Single-Sex Spaces Guidance Comes Into Force Across England

New government guidance on single-sex spaces has come into force across England, setting out when services can lawfully exclude transgender people. The guidance, which follows the Supreme Court ruling earlier this year that the legal definition of a woman is based on biological sex, affects a wide range of services including domestic violence refuges, swimming pools, changing rooms and hospitals. The Equality and Human Rights Commission published the updated code of practice, which explains how the Equality Act applies following the landmark judgment. Service providers now have clearer guidance on when they can legally operate single-sex spaces. Campaigners on both sides have responded strongly to the guidance, with some women's rights groups welcoming the clarity while transgender rights advocates have raised concerns about potential discrimination.