UK: Parliamentary Report Calls for Greater Equality for Transgenders

Veronica Neffinger | iBelieve Contributor | Updated: Jan 14, 2016

UK: Parliamentary Report Calls for Greater Equality for Transgenders

A transgender vicar in the U.K. is urging Christians to support equality for transgender individuals.

According to Christian Today, a recent equality report released by Britain’s Women and Equalities Committee of Members of Parliament revealed that Britain has “a long way to go” in support of equality for transgender people.

Rachel Mann, a transgender vicar in Manchester, believes the Committee’s recommendations are a good start, but hopes Christians will “welcome the recommendations of this report.”

"Despite the fact some struggle theologically with the way this report understands what it means to be human, I hope Christians support any measure that would reduce transphobia in this society," she said.

Some Christians, however, believe that accepting and encouraging equality for transgender individuals is dangerous to society.

Andrea Williams, chief executive of Christian Concern, said in a statement, "The report calls our society and its institutions towards a collective denial of reality. Imposition of 'gender-neutral' toilets and school uniforms harms the majority and indulges a self-proclaimed minority.”

"These are extreme measures designed to obliterate gender in public life. It is scary stuff,” Williams added.

The report stated that gender should be based on “self-declaration” rather than something determined biologically at birth.

"This is something that needs urgent action because trans people deserve to be able to live full and successful lives in the way that any other person does in this country," said conservative MP Maria Miller.

Publication date: January 14, 2016



UK: Parliamentary Report Calls for Greater Equality for Transgenders