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UK Court Defines 'Sex' as Biological, Sparks Controversy

12/13/2025

Summary

Story summary

In April 2025, UK Supreme Court ruled that 'sex' in Equality Act 2010 means biological sex.
Equalities Minister Bridget Phillipson has delayed the draft code implementing the ruling.
Former judge Jonathan Sumption says women-only services may exclude trans women, but they are not required to.
Kishwer Falkner, outgoing chair of the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC), says that allowing trans women in women-only spaces negates single-sex status.

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Story summary

In April 2025, UK Supreme Court ruled that 'sex' in Equality Act 2010 means biological sex.
Equalities Minister Bridget Phillipson has delayed the draft code implementing the ruling.
Former judge Jonathan Sumption says women-only services may exclude trans women, but they are not required to.
Kishwer Falkner, outgoing chair of the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC), says that allowing trans women in women-only spaces negates single-sex status.