UK Top Court: woman legally defined as biologically female

English , International - بین الاقوامی , Snippets , / Wednesday, April 16th, 2025

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In a landmark decision, the UK Supreme Court unanimously ruled that a woman is legally defined as someone born biologically female. The judgment excludes transgender women from the legal category of “woman” under the Equality Act.
The ruling means trans women can be lawfully excluded from single-sex spaces and services, including changing rooms, women’s shelters, and medical or counseling services designated exclusively for women.
The court clarified that even transgender individuals with legal recognition as female are not included in the biological definition where sex-based protections apply. However, Justice Patrick Hodge stated that trans people remain protected under the Equality Act from discrimination based on gender reassignment.
Women’s rights groups hailed the ruling as a victory for safeguarding women-only spaces. Celebrations were held outside the court following the verdict.
Conversely, transgender rights advocates criticized the decision as a setback to inclusion and equality. Legal expert Hannah Ford noted that while the ruling clarifies a contentious issue, it will make it more difficult to create inclusive workplaces for trans individuals.
The decision is expected to influence future legal and policy interpretations related to gender, sex-based rights, and inclusion, with broader implications across employment, healthcare, and public services in the UK.