Overview
- In closing submissions on Thursday, Sandie Peggie’s lawyer told the tribunal the RCN was “in the grip” of gender ideology and so failed to support her in a long-running dispute with NHS Fife.
- RCN England chief executive Patricia Marquis told the judge the union “does not have a position” on the debate between gender ideology and biological sex while acknowledging the organisation used Pride insignia on merchandise.
- The nurse says the union refused legal representation, treated her as if she were at fault, and declined to publicly back her request for single‑sex changing‑room guarantees.
- The RCN denies direct discrimination and says its staff acted reasonably and followed policy, and the union is expected to make final legal submissions before the judge issues a written ruling.
- The case follows a 2025 Supreme Court ruling on the legal meaning of sex and could shape how large unions balance support for members with conflicting protected beliefs and handle internal policy signals.