Challenging the EHRC Draft Code of Practice

by Steph Richards

Challenging the EHRC Draft Code of Practice

by Steph Richards
Steph Richards
Case Owner
I am Steph Richards, an award-winning feminist, and I am seeking to challenge the EHRC's Draft Code of Practice published on May 21st 2026.
Funded
on 01st June 2026
£26,518
donated of £75,000 stretch target from 293 pledges
Steph Richards
Case Owner
I am Steph Richards, an award-winning feminist, and I am seeking to challenge the EHRC's Draft Code of Practice published on May 21st 2026.

The Equality and Human Rights Commission’s Draft Code of Practice (CoP) on services, public functions, and associations - issued following the Supreme Court’s judgment in For Women Scotland v The Scottish Ministers - was published on 21 May 2026. Its contents have generated profound concern and alarm among trans people, as well as their families, friends, and wider communities of support.

The draft raises significant questions about compliance with fundamental human rights principles.

In particular, it risks inadvertently “outing” trans individuals, exposing them to serious forms of harm. This includes restricting access to appropriate facilities and increasing vulnerability to harassment, discrimination and the risk of violence.

Moreover, it undermines the ability of cisgender women who recognise trans women as women to freely associate with them, weakening principles of dignity, inclusion and equal participation in public life.

The Government’s own Equality Impact Assessment acknowledges that the draft disproportionately disadvantages trans people. Within days of its publication, the CoP has attracted substantial criticism from various human rights organisations, both domestically and internationally.

True equality cannot be achieved through segregation or by marginalising minority communities. Yet, this is the practical effect of what the draft proposes.

As a trans woman with legal recognition - having undergone gender-affirming processes and obtained a Gender Recognition Certificate - I am in a strong position to challenge the legality of the CoP.

If the draft is not rejected or substantially revised, I am willing and intend to pursue a judicial review. You can help me do that.

I am now seeking support to fund this legal challenge, which is becoming increasingly necessary as the likelihood of implementation grows.

I am incredibly grateful to the many people who have already offered their support.

All contributions will go directly toward the costs of bringing a judicial review, including pre-action work. Should there be any surplus funds, these will be donated to the TransLucent legal fund.


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Note: This case page was originally titled 'Justice for Steph: The Fight for Political Inclusion' and was updated 3rd June 2026.

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Recent contributions

  • Gabbie donated £25
    Good luck Steph, you're a heroine.
    Match Gabbie's pledge of £25
  • Victoria donated £20
    Thank you for standing up publicly to fight against this damaging, biased and transphobic code. Wishing you all the best
    Match Victoria's pledge of £20
  • Rachel donated £50
    This is a very important and key intervention, the Guidance/CoP is unfit for purpose and although an interpretation of one psrt of the EA it does not consider any other protections within the act or other Laws.
    Match Rachel's pledge of £50

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