International concern for trans people in the UK

Several international bodies have expressed profound concern for transgender people living in the UK because of the UK Government’s recent actions.

The Lemkin Institute for Genocide Prevention and Human Security has described these actions as

‘a subtle, pernicious and clear attempt to eradicate transgender and intersex people from British life because their existence causes ideological discomfort to some.’

They go further, and say that

‘No denial or omission in law can erase the concrete reality that trans and intersex people have always and will always exist. Attempts to erase them as a class constitutes an intent to commit genocide‘¹ (our emphasis)

This is not one isolated organisation raising concerns. Human Rights Watch say that whilst the UK was ‘once was a global leader on LGBT rights’, our ‘reputation is now blemished by a regressive court ruling and its implementation that assaults the dignity of trans and intersex people’²

A group of UN human rights experts has also condemned the Supreme Court decision, saying:

‘The law must be clear, coherent, and consistent with international human rights standards…we urge UK lawmakers to act decisively to reform and align the legal framework in a way that ensures dignity, equality, and non-discrimination for all’³

And the human rights commissioner for the Council of Europe has expressed concern for transgender people in the UK:-

‘The Commissioner is concerned about the current climate for trans people. Although they constitute a very small proportion of the population, and face acute marginalisation across all areas of life, trans people have been subject to intense political and public debate and scrutiny, including in the wake of the Supreme Court’s judgment in For Women Scotland Ltd. v. The Scottish Ministers. He observes a tendency to see the human rights of different groups as a zero-sum game, when in reality any tensions will likely be exceptional; nuanced, reasonable and balanced accommodations can be found. He deplores that discussions tend towards the exclusion of trans people from many aspects of society, rather than ensuring that their inclusion and dignity are upheld. The Commissioner reiterates that all relevant legal or policy developments must be human rights-compliant, including in view of the case law of the European Court of Human Rights and other international instruments.’⁴

Trans Collective Calderdale

International concern for trans people in the UK

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