Campaigners advocating for clear definitions of single-sex spaces expressed cautious optimism following a recent meeting with the UK’s minister for women and equalities, Bridget Phillipson. The discussions focused on the updated draft guidance concerning the provision of single- and separate-sex services in public and private settings.

For Women Scotland (FWS), a group that secured a significant legal victory at the UK Supreme Court a year ago regarding the legal definition of "woman," described the meeting as “positive.” The organization sought clarity on revisions made to the draft code of practice and the anticipated publication timeline ahead of parliamentary review.

The draft guidance, prepared by the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) and submitted to ministers last September, aims to advise businesses and other organizations on how to manage services such as toilets and changing rooms that are designated by sex. While the EHRC’s chair described the document as “legally sound,” the government has acknowledged modifications were made to the original draft.

Details about the specific changes remain limited, but campaigners emphasized the importance of maintaining clarity and legal certainty to protect single-sex spaces. They noted the need for guidance to align with existing equality laws while balancing competing rights and concerns.

The updated code is expected to undergo parliamentary scrutiny before being formally published, although no definitive release date has been provided. Both government officials and campaigners appear committed to continuing dialogue to ensure the guidance addresses practical and legal complexities surrounding single-sex provisions.

As the conversation evolves, stakeholders across the equality and human rights landscape will be closely monitoring how the final guidance impacts access to single-sex services and the broader implications for legal interpretations of sex and gender in policy and practice.