UK Supreme Court rules 'woman' defined as biological sex, Rowling celebrates

The UK Supreme Court has ruled that the terms 'woman' and 'sex' in the 2010 Equality Act refer to biological sex, meaning that trans women can be excluded from certain single-sex spaces and groups such as changing rooms, shelters, and women's sporting events. JK Rowling celebrated the ruling, praising the group For Women Scotland and the three women behind the case for protecting what she sees as the rights of women and girls across the UK. Supporters of the decision, including women's rights groups, hailed it as a major victory for maintaining spaces designated for biological women. However, the court clarified that the ruling should not be interpreted as a triumph of one group at the expense of another and reaffirmed that trans people remain protected against discrimination under the law. The case stemmed from debates over whether legal recognition of gender should grant access to sex-based protections, with the court ultimately siding with biological definitions. The decision has sparked strong reactions from both supporters and critics, reflecting ongoing tensions over gender identity and legal rights.