UK Supreme Court determined that a transgender woman cannot be classified as woman in significant ruling.

The Supreme Court of the United Kingdom has determined that the term “woman” as defined in the Equality Act 2010 specifically pertains to biological sex, thereby excluding trans women from this classification in significant legal contexts.

 In a unanimous decision, the court affirmed that “woman” and “sex” within the Act refer exclusively to biological women, eliciting joy from gender-critical advocates while raising alarm among supporters of trans rights. 

The case was initiated by the campaign group For Women Scotland, which contested Scottish government guidance that recognized trans women with Gender Recognition Certificates (GRCs) as women under the law. They argued that such an interpretation could undermine the rights of biological women in single-sex environments, including changing rooms and women-only shortlists. 

Following the ruling, representatives from For Women Scotland celebrated outside the court, viewing the decision as a major triumph. Lord Patrick Hodge, in delivering the verdict, emphasized that the terms in the Equality Act must be understood in relation to biological sex, warning that any other interpretation could lead to legal inconsistencies, particularly regarding protections related to pregnancy and maternity. While the ruling confirmed that trans women remain protected against discrimination based on “gender reassignment,” the Labour government welcomed the clarity it provided for service providers, and the Conservative opposition hailed it as a victory for common sense, urging a revision of guidance to align with the court’s findings.

A government spokesperson emphasized that the recent ruling provides clarity and assurance for women and service providers, including hospitals, shelters, and sports organizations, affirming that single-sex spaces are legally protected and will remain so under this administration. 

The campaign group Sex Matters expressed satisfaction with the court’s decision, stating that the legal definition of sex—male and female—reflects reality rather than mere documentation. 

The LGB Alliance celebrated the ruling as a pivotal moment for women’s rights, while former Scottish National Party MP Joanna Cherry, a prominent opponent of gender self-identification, deemed the verdict as a significant validation and called for lawmakers to ensure adherence to the law.

 In contrast, trans rights organizations reacted with concern; Stonewall, an LGBTQ+ charity, labeled the ruling as troubling for the trans community, cautioning that it could lead to increased marginalization. 

Scottish Trans, an advocacy group, urged the community to remain calm and vigilant amidst extensive media attention, advising trans individuals to support one another during this time. Globally, trans activists have raised alarms about the potential decline of their rights in an increasingly hostile environment, highlighted by a 112% rise in hate crimes based on gender identity in the UK in 2023, alongside the tragic murder of 16-year-old trans girl Brianna Ghey, which shocked the nation.