We join Dr Zubaida Haque of The Runnymede Trust, Ali Harris of Equally Ours and Pragma Patel of Project Resist in welcoming Dr Mary-Ann Stephenson as next Chair of the EHRC, the regulator of the Equality Act, and applaud the government for standing firm on its preferred choice.

Dr Stephenson’s extensive experience and understanding of Human Rights, and Equality Law, and commitment to an open, even-handed and practical approach to the demands of the role, together with her intention to engage in dialogue and communication, makes her the perfect choice to lead the EHRC into the future.

We are aware that there has been an organised campaign against her appointment by those who oppose the Supreme Court ruling on the meaning of sex in the Equality Act, and who remain wedded to the view that this should include a person’s self-declaration of sex. 

It is disappointing to note that several Labour parliamentarians, including some members of the two committees which interviewed Dr Stephenson, share that view, and as a result asked questions during the hearing which revealed an ignorance of both the Act and the Supreme Court judgment, subsequently opposing Dr Stephenson’s appointment as Chair.

These parliamentarians, in addition to engaging with those of us who can explain the law to them, and the reasoning of the court, would do well to check their thinking against the views of those they claim to represent, as polling following the ruling clearly shows that the majority of UK voters, including Labour voters, are in full support of the ruling.

We look forward to engaging with Dr Stephenson when she takes up the role later in the year.