Yesterday (22nd April) Liz Truss MP, the Minister for Women and Equalities, gave evidence to the Women and Equalities Select Committee setting out her priorities for the Government Equalities Office. We are concerned by some of the points made by the Minister, and the direction of travel alluded to in that speech. Many LGBT people are worried about what this will mean for their rights.

We are concerned about any move which would further marginalise trans adults in society, a group which already faces discrimination, inequality and barriers to accessing basic healthcare which many take for granted.

We are also particularly worried that the Gillick Competency will be unpicked or watered down. This is a framework which has for many years been the cornerstone of successfully advocating for the rights and health of young people.

Over the past few decades, we have made incredible progress to improve the lives of LGBT people and have worked alongside successive government on the repeal of Section 28, the introduction of Equality Act, the Gender Recognition Act and equal marriage to name a few. We are surprised that anyone would risk damaging the bridges built between governments and LGBT communities and we remain hopeful that this will not be the case.