In a landmark decision that’s sure to ripple across the political landscape, the UK’s Supreme Court has ruled that the legal definition of “woman” under the Equality Act 2010 refers strictly to biological sex — not gender identity.
Delivering the unanimous verdict, Deputy President of the Court Lord Hodge made it clear that both “sex” and “woman” in the Act apply to individuals based on their biological makeup, not their self-declared gender. The ruling ends a heated legal debate over whether men identifying as transgender can be classified as women under sex-based protections.
“This judgment should not be seen as a win for one group over another,” Hodge emphasized. “Transgender individuals are still protected under the Equality Act, including from harassment and discrimination through the characteristic of gender reassignment.”
Still, the court’s clarification is poised to carry significant political weight, especially as gender identity and women’s rights remain flashpoints in British public discourse. The decision may also influence how public institutions navigate policies involving women’s spaces, sports, and services.
