Government guidance has sparked uproar after a document revealed that trans women in the Armed Forces can live in female-only accommodation.
The document - written as part of guidance for the recruitment and management of transgender personnel - states that "as soon as the transition process begins the person should be provided with accommodation that is appropriate to their affirmed gender".
It comes as critics raise concerns over the reduction of "safe spaces" for women.
The policy reads: "From the date of transition, the person should also have use of the toilet and changing room facilities appropriate to their affirmed gender.
New Government guidance has sparked uproar after a document revealed that trans women in the Armed Forces can live in female-only accommodation (stock image)
Getty"Under no circumstances should a transgender person be expected, after transitioning, to use the facilities of their assigned gender."
The ruling will reportedly be looked at by Defence Secretary, Grant Shapps as part of a review into the military’s diversity and inclusion policies amid worries the Armed Forces is becoming too "woke".
MP Sarah Atherton, who supervised the 2021 report which investigated sexual assault and harassment in the military, said the policy felt like a "knee-jerk reaction".
"They haven’t thought this through properly," she told The Telegraph.
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"Having done extensive work around women in the Armed Forces, I am fully aware of the extent of sexual abuse that has gone on and continues to go on. Women need to have secure accommodation where they feel safe."
Defence sources insist that most Single Living Accommodation for personnel have "lockable" rooms with en-suites and it was "rare" for people of the opposite sex to share washing facilities.
One woman serving in the RAF shared her concerns for trainees in the Air Force.
She said: "Trainees are considered our most vulnerable as they are the youngest, most inexperienced. It’s fair to say that people who are in the early stages of their career are potentially being put at risk by not having female-only spaces protected."
Critics have raised concerns over the reduction of 'safe spaces' for women
gbnewsAny member who feels "uncomfortable" sharing with another person in the military it thought to be "able to raise their concerns” which will be considered by the chain of command.
However, one serving member of the Armed Forces claims after sharing worries with her chain of command over a transgender member who joined her squadron, her concerns were dismissed.
She is said to have been told not to worry because "it’s not an issue as you can tell who are predators".
