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UK Supreme Court Redefines 'Woman' as Biological, Prompting Policy Overhauls

The ruling excludes transgender women with Gender Recognition Certificates from female-only protections, leading to immediate changes by British Transport Police and broader reviews across public services.

LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 16: Susan Smith (L) and Marion Calder, directors of 'For Women Scotland' speak to the media outside the Supreme Court on April 16, 2025 in London, England. The Supreme Court today ruled unanimously that "the terms 'woman' and 'sex' in the Equality Act 2010 refer to a biological woman and biological sex," in response to a long-running legal dispute between the activist group 'For Women Scotland' and the Scottish government over whether trans people with gender recognition certificates (GRC) identifying their gender as female were considered as having the sex of a woman. For Women Scotland had argued that sex-based protections should only apply to people born female. (Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)
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Overview

  • The UK Supreme Court ruled that 'woman' and 'sex' under the Equality Act 2010 refer exclusively to biological definitions, excluding transgender women with Gender Recognition Certificates.
  • British Transport Police implemented an interim policy requiring strip searches based on biological sex and announced a comprehensive review of trans-related procedures.
  • The Equality and Human Rights Commission is drafting a new statutory code of practice, expected by summer, to clarify rules for single-sex services in light of the ruling.
  • Scottish ministers have requested urgent discussions with the UK Government and plan to address the ruling's implications in the Scottish Parliament next week.
  • Campaigners and experts warn of enforcement challenges, potential safety risks, and increased discrimination against transgender individuals following the decision.