Overview

• The UK Supreme Court ruled in April 2025 that 'woman' and 'sex' in the Equality Act 2010 refer to biological definitions, prompting widespread policy reviews.
• The Equality and Human Rights Commission issued interim guidance restricting trans women’s access to women’s spaces, sparking concerns over its impact on trans individuals’ safety and dignity.
• Nicola Sturgeon expressed fears that the EHRC guidance, if finalized, could make trans lives 'almost unliveable' and called for balanced implementation to protect all affected groups.
• Sturgeon stated she would support further legal changes to safeguard trans rights if current guidance leads to significant risks for trans individuals.
• The ruling has intensified debates over balancing protections for cisgender women and ensuring the rights and dignity of transgender individuals within UK law.