Kenilworth Town Council in Warwickshire has taken a firm stand in support of the trans community in the town and across the county, passing a motion that celebrates their contributions and calls for stronger protections amid a challenging national climate and attacks from both sides of the political spectrum.

The motion, introduced by Councillor Akira Summers, comes in response to the UK Supreme Court's anti-trans ruling and controversial, interim guidance from the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC), which suggested trans individuals could be restricted from using public toilets aligned with their gender identity.

The council will submit formal feedback to the EHRC consultation by the end of the month.

Cllr Summers emphasised the urgency of the issue, citing a 1,426% increase in anti-trans hate crimes over the past decade. “There have been a number of anti-trans hate incidents reported in Leamington, including a trans person who was attacked by a gang with fireworks on May 2,” they said.

According to Home Office data, 4,780 transphobic hate crimes were recorded in England and Wales in the year ending March 2024 - more than double the number from five years earlier  

The motion passed with overwhelming support - only one councillor abstained - and commits the council to writing to MP Sir Jeremy Wright, Warwickshire County Council, Warwick District Council, and the Police and Crime Commissioner to express concern over the treatment of trans individuals in the region.

Council leader Cllr Mark Stevens stressed the importance of taking a stand: “We cannot remain silent. We must make it clear that we support the trans community and condemn all forms of discrimination.”

Cllr Kate Dickson added that the motion sends “a clear statement” of solidarity with all members of the LGBTQ+ community. “Even though the Equality Act still protects people with gender reassignment as a characteristic, we continue to hear of abuse and intimidation.”

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Graham Robson
Graham Robson

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