UK supreme court verdicts on identification of ‘woman’

(MENAFN)
The UK Supreme Court has ruled that the term “woman,” as defined in the Equality Act 2010, refers specifically to biological sex, not gender identity. This decision means that transgender individuals born male are not considered women under the law when it comes to protections for single-sex spaces.

The case was brought forward by the rights group For Women Scotland, which challenged a Scottish Government policy aimed at increasing the number of women on public boards. The policy included transgender women who had legally changed their gender. The campaigners argued that this interpretation conflicted with the Equality Act, which they said defines "woman" solely as someone biologically female.

In its decision, the court agreed, stating that the terms “woman” and “sex” in the Equality Act clearly refer to biological sex. The justices explained that including gender identity within this definition would cause confusion in parts of the law specifically designed to protect women based on pregnancy, maternity, and other biological differences.

A UK government spokesperson welcomed the ruling, saying it offers clarity to women and institutions like hospitals and sports organizations. They emphasized that the legal protection of single-sex spaces will continue to be upheld.

Justice Lord Hodge clarified that the decision was not intended as a victory for one group over another but was about interpreting the law accurately.

Prominent author J.K. Rowling, a supporter of For Women Scotland, praised the verdict and credited the activists for defending women’s rights across the UK.

However, the ruling has drawn criticism from transgender advocacy groups. The Scottish Greens labeled the decision a threat to human rights, and LGBTQ+ charity Stonewall expressed alarm about its potential consequences for trans individuals.

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