LGBTQ+ advocates have criticized a government official for issuing what they deem as “provocative and risky” remarks regarding single-sex spaces. Seema Malhotra, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Equalities, stated in a parliamentary session that individuals typically use their common sense to intervene when someone of the opposite biological sex mistakenly enters a single-sex facility and know when to seek assistance from staff.

Malhotra’s comments coincide with the recent release of guidelines from the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) affirming that single-sex services should be determined based on biological sex. This guidance follows a significant Supreme Court ruling in April 2025, which clarified that the terms “woman” and “sex” in the Equality Act 2010 pertain to biological women and biological sex.

The updated guidelines cover various scenarios, emphasizing that in sports, transgender individuals should compete according to their birth sex rather than gender identity. It also states that hospital wards can exclude transgender patients if the facility is designated as single-sex.

In reaction to Malhotra’s statement, a spokesperson for Trans+ Solidarity Alliance expressed concern, labeling her remarks as “extremely provocative and perilous.” They highlighted the recent international criticism of the UK for promoting what was described as ‘cruel and inhumane’ gender regulations.

Malhotra reiterated that transgender individuals remain protected under the 2010 Equality Act and should not be deprived of services. She suggested that service providers could consider offering mixed-sex facilities or tailored support for transgender individuals to ensure inclusivity and respect for dignity and privacy.

The joint statement from European and international LGBTQ+ organizations, including TGEU, ILGA-Europe, and IGLYO, condemned the UK government, accusing it of failing transgender individuals and expressing deep concerns over the draft Code. The statement raised apprehensions about potential discriminatory assessments and outcomes affecting not only transgender individuals but also gender non-conforming individuals and intersex individuals.

The coalition urged the UK government to address safety concerns for transgender individuals accessing services and traveling in the UK and to assure LGBTQ+ communities that their rights will not be compromised for political gain.