Barclays CEO C.S. Venkatakrishnan stated that the bank will prohibit transgender women from accessing women’s restrooms in compliance with the recent U.K. Supreme Court decision in April. This decision aligns with the Supreme Court’s interpretation of “woman” based on biological sex.
The Equality and Human Rights Commission’s recent recommendation against allowing trans women to access women’s facilities influenced the decision.
Venkatakrishnan emphasized the bank’s commitment to equality and ensuring comfortable, appropriate facilities while complying with legal requirements across its major sites, including its Glasgow campus.
He explained that in light of the Supreme Court decision, the company feels it must abide by the ruling by restricting access for transgender women to women’s restrooms, emphasizing their adherence to legal requirements.
The ban highlights broader U.K. policy reviews after the ruling. The EHRC is preparing a detailed code of practice to guide workplaces and public services for government approval by June 2025.
