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In a significant legal decision, the U.K. Supreme Court has ruled that the term “woman” refers exclusively to individuals born biologically female, effectively excluding transgender women from the legal definition.
The judgment arose from a legal challenge brought by the feminist advocacy group For Women Scotland against the Scottish government.
Ruling Clarifies Gender Definition Under Equality Act
The unanimous verdict by five judges clarified that the protected characteristic of “sex” under the U.K. Equality Act refers to biological sex.
The court stated this interpretation enables certain women-only spaces—such as shelters, medical services, and changing facilities—to legally restrict access to transgender women. While trans individuals retain other anti-discrimination protections, this decision asserts that sex-specific spaces must be based on biology, not gender identity.
UK Supreme Court just ruled that law defines women as people born biologically female.
This is a huge win for women, men, and sanity in the UK and the West.
Now every country needs to get onboard and recognize in law what is a woman.
Congratulations to UK women! pic.twitter.com/nJU0zQvIgl
— Paul A. Szypula ?? (@Bubblebathgirl) April 16, 2025
For Women Scotland Celebrates Court Victory
Susan Smith, co-director of For Women Scotland, welcomed the decision, saying it was a return to “basic common sense.” She emphasized that the ruling supports the recognition of biological realities and marks an end to what she described as “denial of science.”
The case originated from a 2018 Scottish law requiring public boards to ensure 50% female representation. The Scottish government’s guidance had included transgender women with Gender Recognition Certificates (GRCs) within this quota. For Women Scotland challenged this, arguing that equating legal gender with biological sex distorted the intent of equality measures.
The verdict has drawn criticism from transgender rights groups, including Scottish Trans, which expressed shock and concern. Green Party MSP Maggie Chapman called the ruling “deeply troubling,” suggesting it undermines human rights and contributes to the marginalization of transgender communities.
The British government praised the ruling for providing legal clarity and ensuring continued protection for single-sex spaces. In contrast, the Scottish government acknowledged the decision but said it would carefully consider its implications to ensure inclusivity.
For Women Scotland’s legal team, led by Aidan O’Neill, argued that sex is a biological reality determined from conception and should not be altered by gender recognition documents. The court agreed, warning that redefining “woman” to include transgender individuals with GRCs could render female representation statistics meaningless.
Support from J.K. Rowling
Author J.K. Rowling, a known supporter of women’s rights groups, celebrated the court’s ruling. She praised For Women Scotland’s persistence and said the decision safeguards the rights of biological women and girls throughout the U.K.
I love it when a plan comes together.#SupremeCourt #WomensRights pic.twitter.com/agOkWmhPgb
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) April 16, 2025
Human rights organization Amnesty International criticized the decision, arguing it could lead to the erosion of transgender rights.
The group submitted a legal brief expressing concern about blanket bans on trans women from single-sex services and highlighted conflicts with international human rights standards.
