Overview
- The Equality and Human Rights Commission’s revised Code of Practice took effect on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, directing that single‑sex services be organised by sex assigned at birth in England, Scotland and Wales.
- The Good Law Project has opened a legal challenge the same day the code came into force and has reported backing from some MPs who say the guidance is unlawful and harmful to trans people.
- A coalition of six London boroughs — Lambeth, Hackney, Haringey, Lewisham, Southwark and Waltham Forest — publicly pledged on Thursday to refuse to implement the code and to keep services inclusive.
- Public bodies are already revising operational policies including NHS ward allocation and school arrangements, and Freedom of Information estimates point to almost 13,000 toilets, 5,000 changing rooms and at least 18,000 signs that may need changes with multi‑million pound cost implications.
- The code implements the April 2025 Supreme Court finding that ‘sex’ in the Equality Act is biological, it does not create new law but can be relied on in court, and further legal, political and enforcement disputes are expected.