This is an emergency.
We have to act now to stop this.
Fighting the EHRC's proposed trans bathroom ban.
The EHRC is proposing a terrifying new interpretation of our Equality Act - advancing statutory guidance banning trans+ people from gendered services and spaces on a blanket and mandatory basis. This would devastate our lives.
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The EHRC has now submitted its proposals to Government after using AI to rush through over 50,000 consultation responses. Every single person who told them how much their unworkable bathroom ban proposals would harm trans+ people did something that matters. They cannot say we didn’t warn them.
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We must continue the fight. Under current arrangements we won't see what the EHRC has submitted until it has already been approved by the minister and is set to become law automatically. The draft code needs proper scrutiny and an opportunity for MPs to debate and vote on changes this substantial - this is not a deal to be done behind closed doors.
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Wherever your MP stands - this is about fundamental human rights AND parliamentary sovereignty.
Email Your MP
1. Find your MP
If you don't already know who your MP is, you can look them up here using your postcode.
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2. Email Your MP
Email your MP about your concerns about the proposals. TransActual have prepared a template which you may wish to use alongside your own personal concerns. Please consider asking for an urgent meeting in this email.
Even if you have spoken to your MP already, it's vital to contact them again now. They need to understand what's going on and to act now - while they still can.
Call Your MP
1. Find your MP
If you don't already know who your MP is, you can look them up here using your postcode.
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2. Call Your MP
You can call your MP by ringing the House of Commons on 020 7219 3000 and asking to be put through to their office. All you need to say is:
“Hello, could you put me through to [Your MP's Name] MP’s office please?”
When you are connected to your MP’s office, the phone should be answered by a member of their team (be aware, it is sometimes answered by the MP themselves, and sometimes goes straight to voicemail)
You should say why you are calling, and what you want them to do:
“I’m calling because I am very worried about the draft Code of Practice to the Equality Act that the EHRC has passed to the Government for approval. I would like to meet with [MP Name] to discuss these concerns – is that possible please?”
[if yes, ask for an urgent meeting and see our guidance on meeting your MP below]
[if no]
“Can you please make sure you share my concerns with [MP Name], and ask them to write to Bridget Phillipson, Minister for Women and Equalities, asking her to commit to ensuring that any Code of Practice fully respects trans people’s human rights, and is subject to full parliamentary scrutiny, debate and a free vote"
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3. Follow up with an email
Then send a follow up email (you can find your MPs email in the MP’s Directory) repeating what you’ve said and making sure you say the email follows on from a phone call:
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‘I called your office today and left a message with your team because I am very worried about…'
Meet Your MP
1. Find your MP
If you don't already know who your MP is, you can look them up here using your postcode.
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There are a few different options for attempting to meet your MP (in addition to the email and call guides above).
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2. Email your MP asking for a Meeting
All you need to say is:
“Dear [Your MP's Name] MP,
“I am writing to request a meeting because I am very worried about…..
You may need to send one or two follow up emails to get a response. Following up at two day intervals is a good rule of thumb.
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3. Green Card Your MP
Green carding is a process where any constituent can go to the House of Commons and ask to meet with their MP that day by filling out a short form.
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Pick a day where your MP is likely to be in Parliament (mid week, with votes that are whipped, or issues they are interested in)
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Go into parliament through the main Cromwell Green entrance, which has airport type security and takes about 15-20 minutes.
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Go to Central Lobby and queue up at the Information Desk. Any member of staff can direct you.
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Fill out the short form they give you.
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The Information Desk team will let you know if your MP is in the building. If they are in the building and are prepared to meet you may need to wait a long time. If they are not in the building the MP will know you’ve come to request a meeting and will have to write back.
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4. Go to your MP's Surgery
Many MPs hold ‘surgeries’ – sessions where they meet locally with constituents to discuss issues of concern.
If your MP has a website, it will often say when and where the next surgery is. If it doesn’t, you can call or email your MP’s office and ask when and where the next surgery is. If you call or email, remember to explain what you want to meet about and why.