Mick Hartley

Some letters to the Times this morning:

Sir, We agree that it is “time for ministers to impose their authority” (leading article, Aug 7) and that the public sector cannot be allowed to treat the law, clearly stated by the Supreme Court on April 16, as optional. No one can.

The government has allowed a leadership vacuum to develop on complying with the law. It falls to the government to fill it. We disagree on one point, however. Far from being derelict in its duty, the Equality and Human Rights Commission is one of the few organisations that has come close to fulfilling its legal duty. The Health and Safety Executive, in particular, which has a remit to explain and enforce workplace regulations that mandate single-sex toilets and changing rooms, has by comparison been missing in action.

There is no need for anyone, least of all the government, to wait to be told what to do by the EHRC.

Every day women are subjected to harassment and discrimination because of this failure. The delay is shameful.
Maya Forstater chief executive
Helen Joyce director
Fiona McAnena director
Sex Matters

Sir, I agree that the Supreme Court definition of sex, namely as meaning biological sex, ought to have been the final word in a particularly ugly chapter of public discourse. To achieve this result in practice, the nettle should be grasped by acknowledging that the Gender Recognition Act was a mistake, and repealing it.
David Iwi
London NW11

Sir, Your leading article says that the Equality and Human Rights Commission “should state that trans women must not be allowed in single-sex spaces” and that trans people cannot take part in women’s sport. If the EHRC were to publish such guidance, it would be wrong.

Trans women are welcome in single-sex spaces, just not in those for women. Trans women can play sport, just not in the women’s category. Activists claim that trans people are banned from various organisations and activities, that they have been taken out of the Equality Act and that their existence is under threat. Misinformation like this feeds that narrative, to the detriment of us all, and particularly to women who are arguing for safety and fairness across the board.
Ursula Doyle
London SW16