Dr Rosena Allin-Khan (Tooting), Fleur Anderson (Putney), Marsha De Cordova (Battersea), Florence Eshalomi (Vauxhall and Camberwell Green), Bell Ribeiro-Addy (Clapham & Brixton Hill), Steve Reed (Streatham and Croydon North), Dame Siobhain McDonagh (Mitcham & Morden), Paul Kohler (Wimbledon), Jeremy Corbyn (Islington North), Miatta Fahnbulleh (Peckham), Georgia Gould (Queen's Park and Maida Vale), Calvin Bailey (Leyton and Wanstead), Deirdre Costigan (Ealing Southall), Neil Coyle (Bermondsey and Old Southwark), Monica Harding (Esher & Walton), Bobby Dean (Carshalton and Wallington), Dr Rupa Huq (Ealing Central & Acton)

I am writing to express my deep concern and disappointment regarding the recent guidance issued by the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) concerning the rights of transgender individuals in public spaces. This guidance is not only exclusionary and harmful but also appears to lack legal standing and contravenes the principles of equality and human rights.

I write to in my role as Chairperson of the London Stags RFC, an LGBT+ inclusive rugby team established in 2019 based in Mitcham. Whilst we play in Mitcham, our members are spread across London and the South West, and I write to you as an MP who covers a proportion of our membership.

Firstly, it is important to note that this guidance is non-statutory and holds no legal force. Until Parliament legislates otherwise, it remains an opinion rather than enforceable law. Acting in accordance with this guidance could place workplaces and venues in legal jeopardy, as blanket bans on trans women in women’s spaces fail to meet the test of being a “proportionate means of achieving a legitimate aim.” Legal experts have raised concerns that this guidance breaches the Equality Act and overreaches the Supreme Court ruling it purports to clarify.

The EHRC's approach has been deeply flawed. It has failed to engage with trans organisations or seek consensus on implementing changes in the least disruptive manner. The timing of the guidance's release—late on a Friday night—suggests an attempt to avoid public scrutiny.

Additionally, this ruling and guidance have serious implications for transgender participation in sports, particularly in rugby. The EHRC's stance risks reinforcing policies that exclude trans athletes, undermining their ability to compete safely and fairly. Rugby, a sport known for inclusivity, now faces uncertainty as clubs and governing bodies grapple with restrictions that may force trans men and women out of the game entirely.
The Supreme Court ruling and this guidance create further barriers to participation, despite the lack of evidence that trans inclusion poses unfair disadvantages. These exclusions contradict the fundamental values of sportsmanship and equality and set a dangerous precedent for discrimination across all levels of sport.

At its core, this guidance promotes segregation and undermines freedom of association. It marginalises trans individuals and restricts the rights of women who wish to include trans women in their spaces. Such principles are antithetical to the values of an inclusive and equitable society.

Furthermore, this guidance has already led to increased hostility and violence against both trans and cisgender women. Reports of attacks on trans individuals and gender non-conforming cis women are on the rise, highlighting the dangerous consequences of such exclusionary policies.

The EHRC, under its current leadership, has lost credibility and is failing in its duty to uphold human rights. I urge you to take a stand against this guidance and advocate for policies that protect the rights and dignity of all individuals, regardless of their gender identity.

I call on you to:

1. Publicly condemn the EHRC's guidance and its harmful implications.
2. Advocate for a review of the EHRC's leadership and its commitment to equality.
3. Support measures that ensure the safety and inclusion of trans individuals in public spaces.

I trust you will represent our concerns and work towards a society that values and protects the rights of all its members.

Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter. I look forward to your response.

Yours sincerely on behalf of London Stags,

Tom Carter - Chairperson London Stags RFC