UK Supreme Court Defines 'Woman' by Biological Sex, Impacting Transgender Rights

The UK Supreme Court has unanimously ruled that the legal definitions of 'man,' 'woman,' and 'sex' in the Equality Act 2010 refer specifically to biological sex, not gender identity. This landmark decision, resulting from a case brought by For Women Scotland against Scottish government guidance, means that transgender women, including those with a Gender Recognition Certificate, cannot be legally recognized as women for the purposes of the Equality Act. The ruling is expected to impact access to single-sex spaces and services across England, Scotland, and Wales, with organizations like Women’s Aid already adjusting their policies. While some groups welcomed the affirmation of sex-based protections, many in the transgender community expressed concern and uncertainty about the implications for their rights and safety. The court emphasized that the decision was not intended as a victory for any group over another, and that exclusions must still be justified as a proportionate means to achieve a legitimate aim. The ruling has reignited debates over transgender rights and the interpretation of equality laws in the UK.