The Supreme Court ruled on Wednesday that trans women did not A legal definition of equal legislation in the country.
The landmark judgment says that the legal definition of women is biologically based, is a blow to trans rights campaigners and may have a profound impact on the UK’s application of law in single-gender space, equal pay claims and maternal policies.
This is a year of legal battle under the Whether Trans women can be considered as the UK Equality Act 2010, aimed at preventing discrimination. This is due to the intense, sometimes fierce debate about the intersection of trans rights and women’s rights.
“The court’s unanimous decision is that the terms “women” and ‘gender’ in the Equality Act of 2010 refer to biological women and biological gender,” Lord Hodge, vice president of the court, said in announcing the decision on Wednesday.
However, he added: “We recommend not to use this judgment as a victory for one or more groups at the expense of another, but that is not the case.” He said the ruling “does not adversely affect trans people” because they have protections under anti-discrimination and equality laws.
Lord Hodge began his remarks, acknowledging a national dialogue on trans rights and protections, and describing trans people as “a fragile and often harassed minority” while pointing out that women have fought for centuries for equal rights.
He added: “This Court’s policy on how to protect the interests of these groups is not “determining the implications of legislation formulated by parliament”.
He asked the court to remain silent as he read the verdict, but he heard gasps when he announced the decision. A round of applause was begun by campaigners from the radical group Scottish Women, which brought legal challenges, and hugged at the end of the hearing.
This is a developing story. Please check it for updates.
