The UK’s top court has ruled that a woman is defined as someone born biologically female, excluding transgender people from the legal definition. The unanimous decision was made in a long-running dispute between a feminist group and the Scottish government.
The ruling means that trans women cannot be included in certain groups or single-sex spaces such as changing rooms, homeless shelters, swimming areas, and medical or counseling services provided only to women. However, it does not remove rights for trans people who are still protected from discrimination under UK law.
Feminist group For Women Scotland brought the case, arguing that redefining woman went beyond Parliament’s powers. The Scottish government had issued new guidance stating that the definition of woman included someone with a gender recognition certificate.
Supporters of the ruling say it provides clarity and confidence for women, while opponents condemn it as undermining legal protections for transgender people. Human rights groups have expressed concerns about the impact on trans individuals.
The decision brings some clarity to an issue that has polarized politics in other countries, particularly in the US where Republican-controlled states have been banning gender-affirming care for minors and restricting sports participation and public bathrooms for trans women.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/uk-supreme-court-decision-definition-woman-scotland-1a61bea0c26c13cf34864f696a1a5f0c