UK politicians are under pressure to clarify how a recent supreme court ruling on gender identity will affect transgender people’s daily lives, amid concerns over toilet provision and hospital wards.
Equalities Minister Bridget Phillipson was criticised by Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch for what she called a “change of heart” on the issue. However, Phillipson argued that the decision is about protecting single-sex spaces, including women’s refuges and hospitals, while supporting transgender people’s rights.
Phillipson claimed the ruling aims to secure the safety of such spaces without discriminating against one group at the expense of another. She also stated the government will support the rights of all individuals with protected characteristics.
Labour MPs expressed concern about a climate of fear generated by the ruling, particularly over practical implications like transgender people potentially being obliged to use toilets of their biological sex. The Liberal Democrat equalities spokesperson echoed these concerns, saying human rights and security should not come at the cost of vulnerable groups.
Downing Street struggled to explain seeming contradictions between Phillipson’s comments and previous ministerial statements on trans people using unisex toilets in public spaces. Some Labour MPs fear the government is leaving businesses to navigate practical implications through court cases rather than addressing them proactively.
The Scottish government has abandoned plans to change legislation on gender recognition, saying it “fully accepts” the supreme court ruling.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/apr/22/uk-ministers-face-questions-over-supreme-court-gender-ruling-repercussions