UK Supreme Court Rules Equality Act Defines ‘Woman’ by Biological Sex

In a landmark ruling on Wednesday, Britain’s Supreme Court declared that under the Equality Act 2010, the term “woman” refers to biological sex, not gender identity. The unanimous decision follows a legal challenge by campaign group For Women Scotland (FWS) against Scottish government guidance that included trans women with gender recognition certificates in female public sector board quotas. The court’s ruling affirms that single-sex services such as women’s refuges, hospital wards, and sports can legally exclude trans women, bringing clarity to a long-standing legal ambiguity.

The ruling has sparked mixed reactions across the country. While the UK government and groups like FWS welcomed the decision as a step toward protecting biological women’s rights and safety, LGBTQ+ advocates expressed deep concern. Organizations such as Stonewall warned that the decision could have far-reaching and harmful consequences, especially in areas like employment and healthcare access, though the court reiterated that trans people remain protected from discrimination under the Equality Act.

The case has reignited debate around transgender rights and women’s spaces in Britain, a topic that remains deeply polarized. High-profile figures like author J.K. Rowling praised the ruling for affirming the reality of biological sex, while trans campaigners like Ellie Gomersall described it as another setback for trans rights. Legal experts highlighted that while the decision brings clarity, it may prompt urgent calls for legislative reform to address gaps in trans protections.

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