News and updates
UK Supreme Court Ruling – what we know so far and Pride in Education’s concerns with the ruling
In response to the UK Supreme Court’s recent ruling on the definition of “woman” under the Equality Act 2010, we have compiled this summary to outline what the ruling means, express our concerns about its potential impact on trans, non-binary, and intersex inclusion—particularly within education—and reaffirm our unwavering commitment to creating inclusive, safe, and supportive environments for all.
Standing in solidarity: Advocating for education and peace in conflict zones
Pride in Education stands in solidarity with the children and young people of Gaza and victims of genocides and conflicts worldwide, including those in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ukraine, Sudan, Yemen, and Palestine. As stated in Article 28 of the UNCRC, children and young people have the right to education regardless of their race, gender, or disability, whether they are in detention or are refugees. We denounce the destruction of schools, colleges, and universities and acknowledge its devastating impact on the education of all children and young people living in war zones.
The inability to access education in such circumstances has a profoundly negative effect on the well-being and future prospects of these vulnerable young individuals. We call for a ceasefire in all conflict zones and urge global support to rebuild educational infrastructure and ensure access to inclusive quality education for all affected children and young people.
It is imperative to create a more compassionate society where everyone, regardless of their identity, has the right to self-determination, can thrive, and be their authentic selves. Let's unite in our efforts to forge a brighter future where every child and young person has the opportunity to flourish in an environment of acceptance, equality, and peace.
Concerns over decline in UK LGBTIQA+ rights
In 2022, ILGA (the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association) released their ranking of LGBTQIA+ rights for this year - where it was seen that the UK has yet again slipped down the list, now ranking at 17th.
In 2015 the UK saw itself at the top of the list, but the continued erosion of LGBTQIA+ rights has become a real cause for concern, particularly around conversion therapy and trans rights.
Pride in Education urges the UK government to follow through on its commitment to ban all conversion practices and to remove the block on the Scottish Gender Recognition Reform Bill.
Pride in Education is deeply alarmed by the recent decline of human rights in the UK, particularly for the LGBTIQA+ community. It is dismaying but not entirely surprising to see the UK fall three places down to 17th on the ILGA-Europe rankings ,for LGBTIQA+ rights in one year.
From being number 1 in 2015 to number 17 in 2023, the UK used to be a beacon for LGBTIQA+ rights, and this decline is a cause for great concern. The reasons are outlined in the report and include the lack of reforms around gender identity, the absence of intersex recognition, the increasingly hostile political discourse surrounding trans, non-binary, and gender-expansive people and their rights, and the government's stalled response to implement a full-scale ban on awful conversion practices. We are acutely aware of the detrimental impact this has had on the lives, well-being, and mental health of LGBTIQA+ individuals, especially young people at particularly vulnerable formative points in their lives. This toxic environment has led to an increase in hate crime targeted at the LGBTIQA+ community, especially towards trans individuals, and this situation must be remedied immediately.
It is important to note that reports like "More in Common" in 2022 showed that the UK public is opposed to the anti-trans and anti-LGBTIQA+ rhetoric. Therefore, these majority views and the adverse impact this anti-LGBTIQA+ rhetoric is having on the community must not be ignored. In solidarity with all LGBTIQA+-led charities, Pride in Education urges the British government to follow through on its commitment to ban all conversion practices and to remove the block on the Scottish Gender Recognition Reform Bill. The UK must become a safer and more welcoming place for everyone!
It is crucial that this and future governments acknowledge and address the concerns of the LGBTIQA+ community and take active measures to progress and protect all LGBTIQA+ people in all of their diversity. Until then, Pride in Education remains committed to sharing the positive impact through our conference and material; that inclusive education is key to unlocking the ability to overcome this harmful anti-LGBTIQA+ environment.