As part of parliament’s Women and Equalities Select Committee, Rachel has secured changes to the consultation by the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) on a new code of practice for businesses and individuals following the recent Supreme Court ruling on sex and gender.

The Select Committee wrote to the EHRC urging them to ensure the rights of transgender people and women were both safeguarded in the new guidance, and pushed for a six week public consultation, rather than the two weeks the EHRC had proposed. In response to the Committee’s letter, the EHRC confirmed they would ensure a six week consultation, so that as many people as possible could submit their views.

In a letter to constituents, Rachel said:

I have deep concerns that the interim guidance set out by the EHRC does not… ensure transgender people and women can have confidence and feel safe in public spaces, and that businesses and organisations know what they need to do to uphold their rights… I am pleased the EHRC has listened to us and confirmed that the consultation will now run for six weeks from 19 May to 30 June 2025. This longer time period is vital for ensuring as many organisations and individuals as possible who will be impacted by this ruling are able to make their views known.