UK to assess equality for transgenders

LONDON: The UK has launched a major project to give transgenders equal status in British society as those enjoyed by men and women.

The Women and Equalities Committee is undertaking an inquiry into equality for transgender people.

The inquiry will see how far and in what ways, transgender people still have yet to achieve full equality.

Committee chair Maria Miller said, “Many transgender people still face discrimination and unfair treatment in their work, schools, healthcare and other important services. Transphobia and hate crimes are a cruel reminder that we have still have a great deal to do to achieve true equality for everyone. I hope that transgender people will be able to share their experiences with our inquiry, so that the committee can make recommendations for improving people’s live.”

The committee has invited evidence on what the public and experts think of the Gender Recognition Act 2004 and whether it requires amending.

The Committee also wants to know the effectiveness of the Equality Act 2010 in relation to transgenders in employment and workplace issues (including in the Armed Forces).

The Committee also wants to conduct a study on the actual prevalence of transphobia (including the portrayal of trans people in the media) and hate crime against trans people and issues affecting trans people in the criminal justice system.

The investigation will also look at whether transgenders are getting enough opportunities in the country’s education system and getting fair treatment in the National Health Services.

In recent years important steps have been taken to ensure equality for trans people.

The Gender Recognition Act 2004 for the first time allowed trans people to be legally recognised in their new gender. And the Equality Act 2010 made it illegal to discriminate against trans people.

The Committee is aware that full equality for trans people still has not been achieved. In its inquiry, it will look at a range of outstanding issues and consider how they can most effectively be addressed. These will include: how well the current law is operating; employment and workplace issues; transphobia and hate crime; trans people in the criminal justice system; NHS services for trans people; and issues affecting trans youth.