UK Supreme Court Rules “Woman” Means Biological Sex in Landmark Equality Act Decision
The UK Supreme Court has ruled that the definition of "woman" in the Equality Act 2010 refers to biological sex, ending a years-long legal battle over how the law applies to transgender people. The case was brought by campaign group For Women Scotland, who challenged Scottish government guidance that allowed trans women with a Gender Recognition Certificate (GRC) to be counted as women under equality rules for public boards. The court sided with the campaigners, stating the law's wording "refers to a biological woman and biological sex."
Deputy President of the Supreme Court, Lord Hodge, stressed the ruling wasn’t meant to be a win for one side over another. He pointed out that the Equality Act still offers protection against discrimination for trans people under the characteristic of gender reassignment, regardless of whether they hold a GRC. Campaigners on both sides have warned the decision will have broad impacts, from the running of single-sex spaces like hospital wards and sports teams to how rights are balanced in workplaces.
The ruling has sparked strong reactions. Supporters, like For Women Scotland, said the judgment gives women clarity and safety in spaces intended for them, while trans rights advocates warned it could leave transgender people more vulnerable to discrimination. The Scottish government, which originally defended the inclusion of trans women in its gender balance law, has yet to respond to the outcome.
