NHS Fife Tribunal Hears Trans Women 'Still Men' Claim in Discrimination Case

A lawyer representing NHS nurse Sandie Peggie argued at an employment tribunal that trans women should be excluded from women-only spaces because they are "still men" both legally and factually. Ms Peggie was suspended by NHS Fife after complaining about sharing a changing room with Dr Beth Upton, a trans medic, and was placed on special leave following allegations of bullying and harassment made by Dr Upton. Peggie has filed claims against NHS Fife and Dr Upton under the Equality Act 2010, alleging sexual harassment, harassment related to protected beliefs, indirect discrimination, and victimisation. The lawyer referenced a recent Supreme Court judgment on the definition of a woman under the Equality Act, emphasizing that trans people without gender recognition certificates (GRCs), such as Dr Upton, are legally men and thus should not have access to women-only spaces. The lawyer further claimed that NHS Fife sought to punish Ms Peggie for raising complaints about sharing the changing room. The tribunal is currently hearing closing submissions after concluding evidence at the end of July.