An independent review of the official UK data recording of biological sex and gender identity has spun several stories as the media reacts to the data.
The review was led by Alice Sullivan, a professor of sociology and research specialist at University College London, who said the guidance should be updated to make sure both sets of data were recorded in a clear and distinct way.
Read the Government-commissioned report
Independent report: Review of data, statistics and research on sex and gender: executive summary
Biological sex erased from official data
Explainer – The headline demonstrates clear bias through its choice of emotive language. The phrase “erased” is emotionally charged, implying a deliberate and harmful action. Compared to a more balanced approach, this headline is likely intended to provoke strong reactions rather than inform objectively.
- Key Takeaway – Misrecordings because statistics are “corrupted” by extreme gender ideology
The Daily Mail reports that cancer screenings are being missed and crimes misrecorded because official statistics are ‘corrupted’ by extreme gender ideology, a review warned last night. The review has found that ‘sex’ has been replaced by ‘gender’ in the health and crime records, the paper adds.
Criminals free to pick their own gender
Explainer – The headline is framed to provoke outrage rather than foster understanding. It uses loaded language such as “free to pick” suggesting a lack of control and a level of recklessness. It implies that self-identification is arbitrary or opportunistic, which is a subjective and inflammatory framing. By focusing on criminals it can invoke a sense of moral panic and create fear and prejudice.
- Key Takeaway – Labour will not force police to record biological sex despite report’s findings
The Daily Telegraph says criminals are “free to pick their own gender” because the governing is “refusing to force police to record biological sex.” The paper says the independent review says police forces and the NHS should collect data on sex rather than just self-declared gender identity.
UK data recording of biological sex causing potential risks, report finds
Explainer – The headline accurately reflects the report’s conclusions without evident bias. It does not employ emotive language or suggest a particular stance on the issue, instead focusing on the report’s findings regarding data recording practices and associated risks.
- Key Takeaway – Confusion over recording sex and gender causing problems in areas such as healthcare and safeguarding
The Guardian says the UK’s official data recording people’s biological sex and their gender identity is often unclear or conflated, a government-commissioned report has found, causing confusion and potential risks, for example in healthcare and safeguarding.
