The Independent Press Standards Organisation (Ipso) has launched a public consultation on new draft guidance on reporting of sex and gender identity to ensure it has the “widest spectrum of opinion”.
The consultation is open to members of the public, journalists, experts, and anyone with an interest in reporting of this subject and will last for four weeks until March 10.
The guidelines are intended to support editors and journalists to improve the quality of editorial decision-making, but are not mandatory, Ipso said.
We have launched a public consultation on our new draft guidance on the reporting of sex and gender identity. pic.twitter.com/OpNJjdqNYM
— Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO) (@IpsoNews) February 9, 2023
In developing the guidelines, Ipso said it carried out a “significant programme of engagement” with editors, advisory groups and Ipso committees as well as with those who expressed a wide range of views on the reporting of gender identity and sex.
Jane Debois, head of standards and regulation at Ipso, said: “Sex and gender identity regularly features in the UK press and this non-binding guidance is intended to help understand how the Editors’ Code of Practice is applied in this area of reporting.
“Over the past nine months we have carried out extensive engagement with a wide range of interested groups, journalists, and publishers.
“The outcome is draft guidance designed to be a part of an editorial toolkit to support the decision-making process on stories about sex and gender identity.
“Like other Ipso guidance, its aim is to advise, not to prescribe, define, or limit choices made by journalists and editors.
“Most complaints to Ipso relate to accuracy. In this guidance, we have identified key themes to help editors navigate topics relating to the reporting of sex and gender identity.
“The guidance strikes a balance between freedom of expression and the rights of the individual not to face discrimination and intrusion.
“We are seeking views from people interested in this area to ensure we have the widest spectrum of opinion on the draft.”
Ipso is a voluntary press-funded body not backed by the Government, which upholds journalistic standards in the UK.
It was launched in 2014 in the wake of the Leveson Inquiry and not all UK publishers are members of Ipso.
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