New Committee focuses on transgender equality

All aspects of transgender equality will be reviewed in an inquiry by a new government select committee.

The Women and Equalities Committee has launched an inquiry into the hurdles transgender people encounter to obtain the same rights as others on issues of “discrimination and unfair treatment”.

The 11 member committee has been formed to fill a “gap” in government’s accountability regarding inequality. The Minister for Women and Equalities and the Government Equalities Office will be accountable to the new select committee.

The committee’s inquiry is seeking a wide range of submissions from both organisations and individuals. Areas of interest include evidence on terminology and the availability of reliable data relatng to the trans community and transphobia, including media portrayals. It will also explore employment and workplace problems in organisations, including the armed forces.

Other areas include transgender issues in the justice system, the NHS and youth in the education and social services systems. It will also be looking at whether amendments are required to current relevant legislation, such as the ‘spousal veto’ in the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act 2013 and at the relationship between the Equalities Office and other government departments.

Committee chair Maria Miller MP said:

“I hope that trans people will feel able to share their experiences with our inquiry, so that the committee can make recommendations for improving people’s lives.”

Transgender issues have gained greater public attention in recent months through high profile transgender individuals such as Caitlyn Jenner.

The committee is welcoming submissions until August 21 and will start evidence hearings in September.  The creation of this new committee means Westminster joins more than thirty other parliaments globally with committees specifically for equality.

Full details regarding the Women and Equalities Committee can be found here