New research published today into gender identity shows widespread support for trans inclusion in public services, reaffirming the law.

An online survey, undertaken by the City of London Corporation, received over 21,000 responses. The majority of respondents agreed that trans people should be able to access services relating to their gender identity, in line with the Equality Act 2010.

The public consultation was carried out as part of the City Corporation’s ongoing work to make sure its services, both within and outside the Square Mile, are inclusive. The organisation wants to ensure it fully complies with the Equality Act 2010 and improves trans inclusion across its services.

The survey, which sought to capture the views of those who use the City Corporation’s services, particularly City residents, workers and visitors, was open from 25 July to 14 September 2018.

Key results include:

• Collectively, across all respondents, the majority of people, 70%, were in favour of trans inclusion generally.

• 81% of respondents agreed that a person may come to feel their gender is different from that assigned to them at birth and 74% agreed that in these circumstances, they should be accepted by society in their stated gender identity.

• The majority, 68%, agreed that trans people should be able to access services that match their gender identity and 67% thought that, where access to services or facilities are restricted by gender, those restrictions should relate to the user’s gender identity.

• 65% supported the proposal that service users should not be asked to provide ‘proof’ of their gender identity at single-gender services and facilities but would rely on each service user to self-identify their gender.

• 63% agreed that the City Corporation should consider adapting facilities to be gender neutral.
• Among the minority who opposed the proposals, many claimed that ‘sex’ was biologically given - itself a protected characteristic under the Equality Act 2010 - and emphasised a need to balance the rights and interests of the transgender community against those of other protected groups under the Equality Act. Other arguments against inclusion included the need to consider and address safeguarding risks, and the cost implications of a gender identity policy.

Edward Lord, Chair of the Establishment Committee, which leads on the City Corporation’s workforce and inclusion policies, said:

“These results show that the overwhelming majority of people want to ensure public services do not discriminate against trans people.

“We all have a responsibility to respect all communities and ensure that equality and basic human rights are upheld.

“Our vision is to build and support a strong, sustainable and cohesive society in the capital and beyond.

“We aspire to be a leader in equality and inclusion, serving a wide range of communities including Londoners, UK and international visitors, City residents and workers, businesses and our own staff.

“We will use this survey to inform our own policy on gender identity to help make sure our own services and workplaces are fully inclusive.”

The City Corporation is looking to adopt a Gender Identity Policy to ensure it has a clear and consistent approach to gender identity in its service delivery and in the workplace.

Its vision is to build and support strong, sustainable and cohesive communities by ensuring all its policies are fully inclusive.

The City Corporation already has workplace guidance on trans equality for staff. But a corporate policy would ensure the services it provides do not discriminate against trans people.

The governing body is committed to delivering excellent customer service. It recognises the different needs of its vast range of customers and is actively working to minimise potential issues of exclusion and discrimination.

More details on the report can be found here : http://democracy.cityoflondon.gov.uk/mgAi.aspx?ID=86085

ENDS

Media Enquiries

Kristina Drake

Media Officer, City of London Corporation

Kristina.Drake@cityoflondon.gov.uk

07710860884 / 020 7332 1125

Notes to editors

The Equality Act 2010 says that someone must not be discriminated against if their gender identity is different from the gender assigned at birth. To be protected under the Act it is not necessary to have undergone specific treatment; changing gender attributes is understood as a personal process, and not a medical one. Under the Equality Act 2010, trans people can access single-sex services in line with their ‘acquired gender’. A trans person is not required to have a Gender Recognition Certificate, or have undergone any form of medical intervention, to be protected under this legislation. In restricted circumstances, it is lawful for a single-sex service to provide a different service, or deny access to, a trans person, where they can demonstrate that doing so is a ‘proportionate means of achieving a legitimate aim

About the City of London Corporation:

The City of London Corporation is the governing body of the Square Mile dedicated to a vibrant and thriving City, supporting a diverse and sustainable London within a globally-successful UK.

www.cityoflondon.gov.uk