British officials affirm single-sex spaces

LONDON — British officials said in June that some single-sex spaces, including toilets, changing rooms and some single-sex activities will continue to be off-limits to transgender people.

The statement came in response to a petition calling for women to be consulted before laws regarding transgender rights are changed in order “to protect women’s and girls’ right, safety, privacy and dignity.” It also asked for “the principle of single-sex spaces to be upheld — and where necessary extended.” The petition was started by feminist groups fearing the consequences of allowing men to self-identify as women. The petition received more than 12,000 signatures, according to the British online newspaper The Independent. (TAB)