Some people seem to be confusing Self ID re the GRA with Self ID re accessing female-only spaces. Currently any provider can offer single sex provisions on a Self ID basis under the EQA, in doing so they may indirectly discriminate, but nearly all providers do this currently. >

>Today's news re GRA reform (which doesn't include Scotland where GRA reform is on hold) *doesn't change that Self ID is the basis on which providers are generally allowing access to women's spaces*. The Equality Act needs strengthened to ensure it is *direct discrimination* if >

>a provider fails to ensure single sex provisions for women & girls where we need them. We have human rights to such spaces yet they are optional under the EQA, & as long as they are optional providers will be pressured not to offer them/retain Self ID. Even if we establish case>

>law in some areas re indirect discrimination against women & girls, which could take years, this may not be enough to substantively impact provisions for us because of the weakness of the EQA. And even if the govt decides to provide guidance so providers know their options, >

>which it has committed to do (because the EHRC refused to produce updated, clear guidance specifically re providing single sex spaces) so long as it is optional the pressure, cost & legal risk means Self ID is the easiest option for providers. >

>We have not won the fight for single sex spaces until they are seen as our right under the EQA.