Portrait of Keir Starmer
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Keir Starmer on LGBTQ+ Rights

Mixed on trans rights (moderate) Position evolved

Keir Starmer has voiced support for key aspects of LGBTQ+ rights, committing his government to enhancing protections for the community. This includes backing strengthening protections against hate crimes targeting LGBTQ+ individuals and advocating for a proposed trans-inclusive ban on conversion therapy. However, his government's position on gender recognition has seen significant evolution, particularly regarding the definition of 'woman' and access to single-sex spaces, creating a more complex overall picture of his stance.

Context

Keir Starmer's position on LGBTQ+ rights, particularly concerning transgender issues, has become a significant domestic policy area following Labour's victory in the 2024 General Election. His prior career as a human rights lawyer contrasts with the current government's firm stance against self-ID and blocking the Scottish Gender Recognition Reform Bill, placing him at the centre of a debate on balancing sex and gender recognition laws.

Timeline

  1. As Labour Leader, Keir Starmer stated the party supported LGBTQ+ rights, including hate crime strengthening and a trans-inclusive ban on conversion therapy.
  2. Following the Supreme Court decision in For Women Scotland Ltd v The Scottish Ministers, Starmer stated via a spokesperson that he no longer considered transgender women to be women under the Equality Act 2010 definition.

Actions Taken

  1. Policy Pledge
    Stated Labour's support for strengthening protections against hate crimes targeting the LGBTQ+ community.
  2. Policy Pledge
    Pledged support for a proposed, 'trans-inclusive' ban on conversion therapy as part of the King's Speech agenda.
  3. Legislative Action
    Continued to block the Scottish Government's Gender Recognition Reform Bill.
  4. Policy Statement
    Stated he personally ruled out allowing transgender people to self-identify and that trans women should not use women-only spaces, following a Supreme Court ruling.

Related Positions

  • Criminal Justice Reform His commitment to reviewing the Gender Recognition Framework is linked to broader criminal justice and equality reforms.
  • Devolution The conflict over blocking the Scottish Gender Recognition Reform Bill highlights tensions with devolved administrations.

Criticism

Labour Councillors and activists

Resigned in protest over the government's stance on gender recognition and blocking the Scottish GRR Bill.

Critics of the government

Accused Starmer of abandoning key Labour pledges and adopting a position perceived as antagonistic towards trans rights, particularly regarding single-sex spaces.