Overview

• The Equality Commission has filed Pre-Action Protocol letters and referred questions to Belfast’s High Court to clarify how the Supreme Court’s April ruling affects local equality law
• Chief Commissioner Geraldine McGahey said the legal challenge aims to secure long-term certainty and build a robust guidance framework without inflaming debate
• The High Court’s forthcoming declaration will determine how Northern Ireland’s unique legal landscape and the Windsor Framework interact with the biological definitions ruling
• London’s Supreme Court ruled that the Equality Act 2010 defines 'woman' and 'sex' by biology, but that legislation does not extend to Northern Ireland
• DUP MP Carla Lockhart called the commission’s approach “deeply regrettable” and urged public bodies to implement the ruling immediately