Thank you for contacting me about the use of pronouns in sexual assault court cases.
I am determined that everyone in the UK should be free to live their lives and fulfil their potential regardless of their sex, gender identity, race or disability. As part of this, I am absolutely committed to protecting women’s rights and freedoms.
The debate around pronouns in sexual assault court cases is complex and sensitive, and I believe it is important that everyone’s views and concerns are heard and listened to. Sentencing in individual cases is entirely a matter for the independent courts, taking into account the circumstances of the case.
More broadly, I welcome that the Government is committed to hearing a wide range of opinions on this important topic. The recent public consultation on potential reform to the 2004 Gender Recognition Act, which indicated that existing legislation strikes the right balance between ensuring there are proper checks and balances in the system as well as support for transgender people, is evidence of this. I am proud that the UK is a global leader in LGBT rights, and believe that protecting transgender people from discrimination does not require the rights of others to be removed.
I know that the Minister for Women and Equalities’ assurance that any reform will ensure the protection of single-sex spaces, which I recognise is extremely important.
Together with my colleagues in Government, I want every individual, regardless of their sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity to have the confidence and freedom to be themselves in a modern Britain.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.