Thread by @Sexnotgender_

Hi @CHCymru @uzoiwobi @EHRC @EHRCChair @KishwerFalkner @trussliz @GEOgovuk 

I note your new "Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Strategy" correctly lists the protected characteristics under the Equality 2010 in section 4.1:

chcymru.org.uk/cms-assets/doc… 1/12

However, section 5.3. (titled 'Protected characteristics') lists 'gender' as a protected characteristic and cites a World Health Organization definition that highlights it as having a completely different meaning to that of sex. 2/12

Whilst this is interesting, it has no bearing on the protected characteristics under the Equality Act: they are all defined in the Act.

'Gender' is not a protected characteristic under the Act and is not defined in the Act.

legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2010/15/… 3/12

'Gender' is not a synonym for sex.

See also: ‘Gender’ is not a protected characteristic, admits EHRC

sexnotgender.info/gender-is-not-… 4/12

You also talk about "sex assigned at birth" but sex is not 'assigned' at birth: sex is observed and recorded and is immutable. 5/12

What is clearly missing from your 'Protected characteristics' section is the protected characteristic of sex - particularly since you correctly included it in your list of protected characteristics in section 4.1. 6/12

Although you have a section on 'LGBTIQ+', LGB usually refer to the protected characteristic of sexual orientation and T, Q and + usually refer to gender identities: you don't have a section on the protected characteristic of gender reassignment. 7/12

The I refers to Intersex but intersex is not a 'gender identity' or a sexual orientation. It is generally considered derogatory to those with a Difference of Sex Development to consider it to be an identity or something they can identify in to or out of. 8/12

See: What is DSD? dsdfamilies.org/parents/what-d… 9/12

You might also like to take note of what employment and discrimination Barrister Akua Reindorf said in her report for the University of Essex and in particular Recommendation 18:

cloisters.com/reindorf-revie… 10/12

Language and meaning of words are important and proper use & understanding of terms is vital so that the public is aware of what rights they have and what your duties are. Any confusion or inconsistency over meaning may prevent people from accessing their rights in law. 11/12

Will you undertake to correct these errors and to review all your other policies, documents, reports, etc to ensure compliance?

Please respond.

sexnotgender.info/list

@threadreaderapp unroll 12/12