On April 16, 2025, the UK Supreme Court delivered a pivotal bodies landmark ruling redefining “woman” under the Equality Act 2010 as biological female, following a challenge by For Women Scotland, a group of trans-sceptic feminists, against the Scottish Government. Initiated in 2018, the case contested guidance from Scottish Ministers that included trans women with Gender Recognition Certificates (GRCs) in the legal definition of “woman” for gender balance quotas on public boards. For Women Scotland argued this diluted protections for biological women in single-sex spaces like refuges, prisons, and sports facilities. After a 2022 Scottish court ruling upheld the broader definition, the Supreme Court unanimously overturned it, siding with For Women Scotland to prioritize biological sex.
The ruling was grounded in the Equality Act 2010, which the court interpreted as defining “woman” based on biological sex, not legal gender as recognized by a GRC under the Gender Recognition Act 2004. The justices emphasized that the Act’s protections against sex-based discrimination and provisions for single-sex spaces hinge on biological reality. This ensures that legal safeguards for women—such as access to female-only services—remain tied to biological femaleness, clarifying the Act’s original intent.
The court also ruled that the statutory guidance issued by Scottish Ministers was incorrect. The guidance had extended the definition of “woman” to include trans women with GRCs, misinterpreting the Equality Act and risking the erosion of sex-based protections. By including trans women, the guidance undermined the integrity of single-sex spaces where biological differences are critical, such as domestic violence shelters and sports. The Supreme Court’s correction aligns the law with biological sex, preventing misapplication.
The Labour government welcomed the ruling, stating, “Single-sex spaces are protected in law and will always be protected by this government.” This ensures biological women in the UK can access female-only spaces—such as changing rooms, hospital wards, and sports—without the inclusion of trans women, even those with GRCs. It provides legal clarity for service providers, reinforcing safety, privacy, and fairness for biological women.
This ruling is a vital defense against attacks on women’s rights. By anchoring “woman” in biology, the UK has strengthened protections for women in sports and single-sex spaces, ensuring fair competition and safe environments. Steps to exclude biological males from women’s categories can now be implemented more robustly, safeguarding female athletes and vulnerable women in shelters. The UK must continue fortifying these protections to uphold women’s rights.
