response from Kim Johnson (labour MP for Liverpool Riverside)
i recently emailed my local mp and this was her response (very timely too which is a bonus)
Thank you for contacting me regarding the Equality and Human Rights Commission’s proposed Code of Practice and the deeply concerning reports of a potential “bathroom ban” affecting trans people.
I want to be clear that everyone deserves to live with dignity, safety, and respect. Access to safe and appropriate public facilities is a basic human right, and no one should be made to feel excluded, unsafe, or unwelcome simply because of who they are.
I know many trans, non-binary and LGBT+ people are feeling frightened and uncertain about what these proposals could mean for their everyday lives. The prospect of blanket exclusions from single-sex spaces raises serious concerns about safety, wellbeing, and human rights. It also risks placing service providers in unworkable positions while increasing stigma and discrimination against already marginalised communities.
I stand in solidarity with trans, non-binary and LGBT+ people in Liverpool Riverside and across the country. Equality and human rights protections must work to uphold dignity and inclusion, not create new barriers or deepen existing inequalities.
I do not support the proposed changes in the guidance because I believe the actions taken by government or public bodies must be rooted in human rights, evidence, and meaningful consultation with the communities most affected. That means prioritising practical ways to ensure people can safely access public spaces while protecting the dignity and rights of everyone. Having heard representations from constituents and leading LGBTQ+ organisations, it is evident that these proposals are already significantly impacting trans peoples access to services and forcing trans people to self-exclude. This is in my view unacceptable.
In Parliament, I will continue to raise concerns where policies risk undermining equality protections or causing harm to trans people. I will continue engaging with colleagues, campaigners and LGBT+ organisations to press for approaches that are inclusive, lawful and compassionate. I will also continue scrutinising the government’s response to these proposals and advocating for protections that safeguard the rights, dignity and safety of trans people.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me on this important matter. I hope this response has made my position clear.
Yours sincerely,
Kim Johnson MP
Member of Parliament for Liverpool Riverside