Some facts about the events that preceded the Government statement here that the coming consultation on the Gender Recognition Act will be narrowly drawn and not affect the Equality Act’s single sex exemptions. https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/214118">https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions...
I offer these facts because some are claiming “there was never any question of removing/amending EA exceptions.” Those claims are either mistaken or dishonest.
August 2015
Stonewall submission to the Women & Equalities Select Committee says MPs should amend the EA to
“remove exemptions, such as access to single-sex spaces”

https://www.stonewall.org.uk/women-and-equalities-select-committee-inquiry-transgender-equality">https://www.stonewall.org.uk/women-and...
Jan 2016
Women & Equalities Committee says EA should be amended so that

“occupational requirements provision and / or the single-sex / separate services provision shall not apply”.

https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201516/cmselect/cmwomeq/390/390.pdf">https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm2015...
July 2016
Govt response to W&E Committee says: “we agree with the principle of this recommendation” on EA exemptions and seeks evidence for “future policy discussions”

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/535764/Government_Response_to_the_Women_and_Equalities_Committee_Report_on_Transgender_Equality.pdf">https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/governmen...
July 2017
Stonewall commits to “advocate for the removal” of EA provisions allowing sex-based discrimination.

https://www.stonewall.org.uk/sites/default/files/stw-vision-for-change-2017.pdf">https://www.stonewall.org.uk/sites/def...
In sum: MPs and others told govt to amend/remove Equality Act single-sex exemptions. Govt considered doing so. Then govt ruled it out. / ends
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