UK Supreme Court Rules Trans Women Not Legal Women Under Equality Act

The UK Supreme Court has unanimously ruled that the terms 'woman' and 'sex' in the Equality Act 2010 refer specifically to biological women and biological sex, excluding transgender women with gender recognition certificates from this legal definition. This ruling, delivered by Lord Hodge, has significant implications for various areas, including equal pay claims, maternity policies, and access to single-sex spaces. While the decision has been characterized as a victory for anti-woke campaigners, Hodge cautioned against interpreting it as a win for one group over another, emphasizing that transgender individuals are still protected under anti-discrimination laws. The case was brought by For Women Scotland, which argued that including trans women in the definition could undermine sex-based rights. The ruling reflects the ongoing tension between safeguarding women's rights and recognizing transgender rights within existing legal frameworks. The court's decision is poised to influence future discussions on gender identity and equality in the UK.