TUC Conference has unanimously backed a motion from the TUC LGBT+ committee which supports “the introduction of a social rather than medical model of gender recognition that will help challenge repressive gender stereotypes in the workplace and in society.”

The motion was a response to the government's current consultation on changes to the 2004 Gender Recognition Act, which will run until the start of October.

The unanimous decision is especially welcome given the scaremongering surrounding the issue of gender self-declaration that has taken place in the trade union movement, although arguably it has been less than elsewhere in society.

It will certainly help to move the debate forward in the labour movement and act as a pressure against those groups — right-wing Christians and some radical feminists — arguing against gender self-declaration.

The text of the motion also says:

“As trade unionists we support trans workers rights, and as champions of equality we welcome the increased visibility and empowerment of transgendered and non-binary people in our society.

We call on the Government to take note of global best practise on gender recognition and change the current processes for gender recognition that are lengthy, intrusive, humiliating and not fit for purpose.

We call on the TUC to campaign for a simplified, free, statutory gender recognition process based on self declaration and to support rights for gender non-binary people at work and in wider society.

We welcome the Government’s commitment that the provisions in the Equality Act 2010 will remain.

We support the right of all women (including trans women) to safe spaces and the continuation of monitoring that can help identify discrimination against women and men.”