Overview

• The Scottish Government has spent nearly £374,000 defending its stance that trans women should be included in the legal definition of 'woman' under the Equality Act.
• The UK Supreme Court ruled in April 2025 that the definition of 'woman' is based on biological sex, overturning earlier rulings by Scottish courts.
• For Women Scotland, the group that brought the legal challenge, is expected to recoup approximately £250,000 of its legal costs, potentially raising the public cost to £624,000.
• Despite the ruling taking immediate effect, Scottish ministers have advised public bodies to await formal guidance from the Equality and Human Rights Commission, expected later this summer.
• Several institutions, including the Scottish Parliament and football associations, have already updated their policies to align with the court's decision, limiting female spaces to biological women.