Congress votes to Protect Trans and Non-Binary Rights

Motion 40, Protect Trans and Non-binary rights, was proposed by TUC LGBT+ Conference. It noted that the UK government had prevented the Gender Recognition Reform Bill passed by the Scottish Parliament from going for royal assent, using section 35 of the Scotland Act 1998 for the first time since devolution 25 years ago.

The Scottish Parliament had overwhelmingly passed the progressive Bill which would have removed barriers for people to legally change their gender by allowing for self-identification.

The motion also noted the UK government’s statement to restrict trans and non-binary people’s ability to have their Gender Recognition Certificate recognised in the UK if it has been issued by countries who allow self-identification.

Congress agreed that people should be supported through transition and self-identification, that transphobia must not go unchallenged, that the TUC has a responsibility to respond to attacks on the rights of trans and non-binary and that all LGBT+ people should have rights to live free from discrimination.

The motion called on the TUC to host an online event focusing on international progress toward Trans and non-binary self- identity and inclusion, to support unions in becoming more trans and non-binary inclusive, to work with LGBT+ organisations to support and protect Trans+ and non-binary people’s lives.

Moving the motion Julia Georgiou of NHBCSA (National House Building Council Staff Association) asked “Isn’t equality what we’re here for? When our rights are challenged your rights are challenged or are next in line.”

Dean Ismay of GMB spoke in support of the motion and said that “Trans and non-binary people currently face huge barriers as they try to live their lives freely and fully.”

Speaking in support of the motion PCS, national president Fran Heathcote said: “Reform of gender recognition processes is essential to remove barriers to our trans and non-binary comrades. The current restrictions on acquiring legal recognition cause unnecessary harm and suffering to trans and non-binary people, emotionally, physically and financially, and removing these barriers must be a priority.

“The lengthy and invasive process of acquiring medical evidence to support a change in legal identity must be streamlined and simplified, and non-binary people must be given legal recognition.

“Women members of PCS are raising legitimate concerns over some issues. Others are raising concerns from an opposite, polarised position. The discussion of ideas, allowing people to explore their concerns and find ways of uniting, is a vital part of building wider support for trans rights I’m pleased to say this year that in PCS we are building that unity and discussion, making people feel safe to express themselves. The next stage in our work will be to discuss and consult on a civil service gender guidance.”

The motion was carried.

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