Transgender people have ‘raised distress’ over new policy rules for changing rooms at leisure facilities across Reading.
The Supreme Court of the UK ruled in April that the legal definition of a person is based on their biological sex rather than a Gender Recognition Certificate.
To comply with this ruling, Better leisure facilities across Reading have introduced a policy restricting female-only spaces to biological females.
‘Better’ is the brand name for Greenwich Leisure Ltd (GLL), Reading Borough Council’s leisure services contractor.
Until recently, transgender people have been able to use the changing rooms of their chosen gender.
GLL’s new policy restricts access to certain single-sex spaces, such as toilets and changing rooms, based on the biological sex of the person.
Transgender people in the town have raised concerns about the policy, which were voiced on their behalf at a council policy committee meeting.
Councillor Rob White (Green, Park), the leader of the opposition, said: “It has recently come to light that leisure centres in Reading operated by GLL on behalf of the council have introduced a policy restricting access to single-sex changing rooms based on biological sex.
“This decision has caused considerable distress among transgender customers who have been using these facilities for many years – some of whom have contacted me.
“Concerns have been raised about the lack of consultation, the potential for discrimination, and how such a policy could be practically and fairly enforced.
“The Green Party stands firmly for trans rights and for the protection and inclusion of all marginalised communities. Public services, particularly those run on behalf of councils, must be inclusive, safe, and welcoming for everyone.”
He then asked Liz Terry (Labour, Coley), whether she agreed with GLL’s new changing room policy.
Cllr Terry replied: “Other stakeholders have also asked the council for its position on similar matters as a result of the Supreme Court ruling and there will be lots of concerns until we have the new statutory Code of Practice.
“The Equalities and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has published its draft amendments to its statutory Code of Practice for services, public functions and associations, which is out to consultation until the end of June.
“As you know, this council prides itself on offering services that are inclusive, safe, and welcoming for all.
“We will ensure that this policy is also replicated in the actions taken by our contractors and there is already discussion on these matters with GLL.
“If the council needs to provide new facilities to comply with the amended statutory Code of Practice, then we will review this with GLL once the final version has been published and we understand the full implications.”
She went on to say Reading Borough celebrates inclusion and diversity.
Cllr Terry concluded: “I do want to reassure customers and residents that the council’s leisure facilities continue to offer an inclusive and welcoming environment for all and we will continue to look at all of these issues carefully with a view to continuing to be a borough where inclusion and diversity is championed.”
The exchange took place at the policy committee meeting on Monday, June 9.
