A statement from Cllr Mike Todd-Jones, Cabinet Member for Communities, on the updated EHRC Code of Practice

“I know what a worrying time this will be for many communities in our city.

“Council teams, including a cross-party working group, are working hard to develop our response to the updated EHRC Code of Practice, and this will be coming through for public scrutiny this Autumn. 

“As part of this process the council is thoughtfully considering the needs, safety and rights of all those who use our services in line with our Equality Pledge Commitment, so that no one is excluded from public services, and that everyone is treated with compassion and respect.

“When Cambridge hosted the national showcase for LGBTQ+ History Month 2016, local organisers wanted to develop an initiative that would provide an equality legacy for our whole community, and the Cambridgeshire-wide Equality Pledge was the result. The Pledge states that:

We believe in the dignity of all people and their right to respect and equality of opportunity. We value the strength that comes with difference and the positive contribution that diversity brings to our community. Our aspiration is for Cambridge and the wider region to be safe, welcoming and inclusive.

“Cambridge City Council was a proud founder signatory, and our unwavering commitment to this pledge very much continues to underpin all our work. We want everyone to feel safe, welcomed, and included, and this very much includes our trans and non-binary residents.”