Date: Tue, 1 Jul 2025 21:57:55 +0100 From: Eleanor Clifford To: Daniel Zeichner MP Subject: My response to the EHRC's consultation Dear Daniel Zeichner, I wanted to share with you my response to the EHRC's recent consultation on their proposed changes to the services Code of Practice, which I hope will help to solidify for you some of the key points in this matter, and link them directly to the actual words on the page. I hope Parliament and the Government will review these proposed updates very carefully before allowing to become statutory, as there are an extroardinary number of obvious problems. You can find my response here: https://eleanor.clifford.lol/outbox/ehrc-consultation.html Yours sincerely, Eleanor
Date: Wed, 02 Jul 2025 08:32:33 +0000 (UTC) From: Daniel Zeichner MP To: Eleanor Clifford
Dear Eleanor,
Thank you for contacting me and linking me to your response to the EHRC’s consulation.
I strongly believe that trans people’s safety and wellbeing must be protected. Trans people deserve dignity and respect, and to be able to be themselves without fear of intimidation or abuse.
Following the Supreme Court ruling in April that sex in the Equality Act means biological sex, I know there are people feeling anxious about how the judgment will affect them. Ministers have stated that while single-sex spaces must be protected, it is important to emphasise that trans people must also be protected. They must retain clear protections in law and should be able to live their lives free of harassment and discrimination.
I fully support the Government and the Supreme Court in their declaration that this case is not about winners or losers, or the triumph of one group at the expense of another. Now more than ever, it is essential that people in positions of authority, such as politicians, speak out about the importance of treating everybody respectfully, even when our beliefs differ.
As you highlight, the Equality and Human Rights Commission, which is independent of the Government, is working on a revised code of practice. This will support service providers, public bodies and associations to understand their duties under the Equality Act.
I am pleased the consultation on the code has been extended to six weeks, closing now on 30 June. It is important the Commission listens to a diverse range of voices and consults in a broad and meaningful way. Ministers will consider the Commission’s updated draft once it is complete.
I am aware the Government has noted that the Commission’s interim update provides a perspective on how the judgment and Equality Act are practically applied in some areas, but it is neither official guidance nor comprehensive.
Elsewhere in Government, I am pleased to support Ministers’ plans to introduce a full, trans-inclusive ban on conversion practices. Work is also underway to make all existing strands of hate crime an aggravated offence. At present, crimes motivated by race and religion are aggravated offences, whereas crimes motivated by sexual orientation, disability and transgender identity are not.
Moving forward, we must make sure the voices of the trans community are included within our discussions. I remain committed to a fairer and more inclusive society, and to standing up for our marginalised communities.
Thank you once again for contacting me about this issue.
Kind regards,
Daniel Zeichner
Date: Wed, 2 Jul 2025 19:59:24 +0100 From: Eleanor Clifford To: Daniel Zeichner MP Dear Daniel Zeichner, Thank you for your response. I would like to once again ask that you please, please stop using the phrase "biological sex". It really is personally hurtful to hear, because it denies me the very reality of my existence: one of my body biologically changing in sex! The fact is, biological attributes of sex like hormones and sex characteristics can be changed thanks to the wonders of medical technology (as I can personally attest to!), and even chromosomes often differ from what is expected, even in cis people. A better term to use for what you mean is "sex recorded (or 'registered' or 'assigned') at birth", or, slightly less clear but still perfectly fine: "birth sex". The phrase "biological sex" was created with the express intent of appropriating biology to launder into public discourse the false idea that there is some important biological essence of sex that cannot be changed. And so it really hurts to hear nominally trans-supporting people like yourself use it, presumably unaware of the harm that it does. I must ask that you please stop. Yours Sincerely, Eleanor
Date: Thu, 03 Jul 2025 06:58:16 +0000 (UTC) From: Daniel Zeichner MP To: Eleanor Clifford
Dear Eleanor,
Thank you for your response. I am very sorry for any offence caused and will keep the important points you have made in mind when discussing this issue.
Best wishes,
Daniel Zeichner
I am kind of reaching the end of my tether on this whole "biological sex" thing. I'm hoping that this time, by making it personal, I finally got through to Daniel Zeichner.
Date: Thu, 10 Jul 2025 08:13:17 +0000 (UTC) From: Daniel Zeichner MP To: Eleanor Clifford
Dear Eleanor,
Thank you for leaving a green card for me in Parliament on 25 June. I am sorry that I was not available at that time – if there is a particular matter you would like to discuss, please do outline your query by email.
Many thanks,
Daniel Zeichner