EHRC Code protests across country on 9 July

On 9 July at 6pm there will be protests across England and Scotland against the new Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) Code of Practice. It leaves trans people with even fewer rights than before the Supreme Court judgment in April 2025.

The EHRC Code of Practice was laid before parliament on 21 May for a 40 day scrutiny period, which is due to expire soon.

After the 40 days end, if there are no objections from the Houses of Commons or Lords, the Code can be made statutory by order of the secretary of state.

Groups including the BAD Coalition and the Trans Liberation Group will be coming together at 6PM on 9 July to stand up and lodge their objection to the EHRC Code.

A decentralised demonstration, where demos happen in multiple locations at the same time, was proposed on 1 July. Since then, organisers have planned demonstrations in 12 cities and towns across England and Scotland.

Defy the EHRC Code

People can find their local demo (search for #transdefiance on social media) or organise their own.

Confirmed EHRC Code protests will be happening in following places:

• Brighton, The Level.
• Brixton, Lambeth Town Hall.
• Walthamstow, between Market Square and bus station.
• Hackney, Hackney Town Hall.
• Birmingham, Victoria Square.
• Manchester, Sackville Gardens.
• Sheffield, City Hall.
• Exeter, Bedford Square.
• Edinburgh, top of Middle Meadows Walk.
• Leeds, Dortmund Square.
• Chesterfield, Chesterfield Labour Club S40 1NF.
• Leytonstone, Leytonstone Station.
• St Neots, Market Square.

This protest is part of an ongoing campaign to overthrow the new EHRC Code and the devastating impact of the Supreme Court ruling. Campaigners say they will continue this fight through demonstrations, actions, lobbying, and coalition building. They will not comply with this new guidance. And they will not do anything which deteriorates the lives of trans people.

No compliance! Trans defiance!

Featured image via the Canary