The UK’s highest court has made a landmark decision on the definition of “woman” under the Equality Act 2010.
Five Supreme Court judges unanimously ruled that the term “woman” refers to biological females only, excluding trans women.
A Complex Legal Battle
The case centered on whether trans women with a Gender Recognition Certificate (GRC) are protected from discrimination under the Equality Act.
The controversy pitted women’s rights against transgender rights.
The “For Women Scotland” group challenged the Scottish government’s guidance, arguing that the Act’s protections should only apply to biological women.
The Ruling’s Implications
The 88-page judgment concluded that trans women with a GRC are not considered “women” under the Act.
The court emphasized that the concept of “sex” is binary, referring to biological males and females.
Interpreting “sex” as “gender identity” would contradict this definition, making the law impractical.
- The ruling does not disadvantage trans individuals, with or without a GRC.
- Trans people will continue to be protected from discrimination under the law.
Reactions to the Ruling
The “For Women Scotland” group welcomed the decision after a long legal battle.
The “Scottish Trans” charity urged calm, while the Scottish government pledged to work with the UK government to understand the judgment’s implications.
The BBC reported on the live court proceedings.