How a battle over defining a woman ended up in the UK’s highest court
3 months, 3 weeks ago

How a battle over defining a woman ended up in the UK’s highest court

The Independent  

Sign up for the Independent Women email for the latest news, opinion and features Get the Independent Women email for free Get the Independent Women email for free SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. It could have far-reaching ramifications across the UK on how single-sex spaces operate and human rights campaigners have raised fears the case may impact trans women’s rights and their ability to challenge discrimination. This case ultimately centres on the question of whether women with gender recognition certificates which state that they are female should be entitled to protections established under the 2010 Equality Act. Although the Scottish government was forced to change their legislation, they still released new statutory guidance alongside the bill saying they would see women as those with gender recognition certificates stating they are female. For Women Scotland do not see those with a gender recognition certificate stating they are female as women - they solely see sex in biological terms.

Human Rights Equality Women Court Sex Rights Gender Case Scotland Woman Trans Scottish Trans Women Equality Act Women Scotland Recognition Act  defining  recognition  act  court  gender  equality  trans  case  women  ended  sex  uks  highest  scotland  woman  rights  battle

History of this topic

Scotland's First Minister John Swinney says men can't get pregnant - but lawyers for the SNP-led Scottish Government are telling judges they can in landmark case which will determine the definition of
3 months, 3 weeks ago

Scotland's First Minister John Swinney says men can't get pregnant - but lawyers for the SNP-led Scottish Government are telling judges they can in landmark case which will determine the definition of

Daily Mail  

John Swinney yesterday said he didn’t believe men could be pregnant – at the same time as the Scottish Government’s lawyers were telling judges they could. In a written submission to the court, the Scottish Government said protections for pregnant women in the 2010 Equality Act could also apply to a ‘pregnant man’ who was born female. Supporters of the …

Sex change recognised in eyes of law with gender recognition certificate, Scotland tells Supreme Court
3 months, 3 weeks ago

Sex change recognised in eyes of law with gender recognition certificate, Scotland tells Supreme Court

The Independent  

Sign up for the Independent Women email for the latest news, opinion and features Get the Independent Women email for free Get the Independent Women email for free SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Ms Crawford told the court an individual with a gender recognition certificate - a document she …

The Supreme Court hearing on what a ‘woman’ is is an existential attack on trans people like me
3 months, 3 weeks ago

The Supreme Court hearing on what a ‘woman’ is is an existential attack on trans people like me

The Independent  

Today continues the Supreme Court hearing of the For Women Scotland v The Scottish Ministers appeal. The Scottish government, supported by interventions from the UK Equalities and Human Rights Commission and the international human rights organisation Amnesty says no, “sex” in the Equality Act includes transgender people who have been through the gender recognition process established by the Gender Recognition …

Sex is an 'immutable biological state', Supreme Court hears as women's rights campaign group challenges Scottish government over the definition of a woman
3 months, 3 weeks ago

Sex is an 'immutable biological state', Supreme Court hears as women's rights campaign group challenges Scottish government over the definition of a woman

Daily Mail  

A lawyer has told the Supreme Court that sex is an 'immutable biological state' as a women's rights campaign group challenges the Scottish Government over the definition of a woman. A Supreme Court hearing determining the definition of a woman heard today that sex is an 'immutable biological state' Marion Calder and Susan Smith hold signs from For Women Scotland …

UK Supreme Court hears landmark legal challenge over how a 'woman' is defined in law
3 months, 3 weeks ago

UK Supreme Court hears landmark legal challenge over how a 'woman' is defined in law

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The U.K. Supreme Court on …

UK Supreme Court hears landmark legal challenge over how a ‘woman’ is defined in law
3 months, 3 weeks ago

UK Supreme Court hears landmark legal challenge over how a ‘woman’ is defined in law

Associated Press  

LONDON — The U.K. Supreme Court on Tuesday began hearing a legal challenge focusing on the definition of “woman” in a long-running dispute between a women’s rights campaign group and the Scottish government. The women’s rights group successfully challenged that law, arguing that its redefinition of “woman” went beyond parliament’s powers. “Not tying the definition of sex to its ordinary …

UK’s highest court set to rule on definition of a woman
3 months, 3 weeks ago

UK’s highest court set to rule on definition of a woman

The Independent  

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Judges at the Supreme Court are to begin examining a …

SNP-led Scottish Government set to argue for the rights of 'pregnant' men and male-born 'lesbians' at the UK's highest court TOMORROW - in landmark case about the definition of a woman
4 months ago

SNP-led Scottish Government set to argue for the rights of 'pregnant' men and male-born 'lesbians' at the UK's highest court TOMORROW - in landmark case about the definition of a woman

Daily Mail  

SNP ministers will argue for the rights of ‘pregnant’ men and male-born ‘lesbians’ at the UK’s highest court tomorrow in a landmark case about the definition of a woman. Five justices, including the court’s Scottish president, Lord Reed, will decide if a person with a GRC saying they are female is a woman, for the purposes of the UK Equalities …

SNP Government researches “non-binary” Scots despite John Swinney’s claim there are only two genders
4 months ago

SNP Government researches “non-binary” Scots despite John Swinney’s claim there are only two genders

The Telegraph  

“John Swinney should explain why so much energy is being devoted to this when, if his own words are to be believed, he agrees it is a load of nonsense,” said Marion Calder, a director of For Women Scotland, a gender-critical campaign group. “If John Swinney really wants the public to believe he is on their side he should back …

Scottish Labour accused of backing gender self-ID law
9 months, 1 week ago

Scottish Labour accused of backing gender self-ID law

The Telegraph  

The Scottish manifesto pledged to ensure that new gender recognition laws north of the border were compliant with the UK Equality Act, including “the rights and protections it affords women.” However, feminist campaigners said the absence of any medical diagnosis meant that the plan was “completely and utterly self-ID”. Marion Calder, the director of For Women Scotland, said: “It appears …

Britain going backwards on trans rights, warns first transgender judge
9 months, 2 weeks ago

Britain going backwards on trans rights, warns first transgender judge

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Young trans people face a …

Tories issue pledge to overhaul equality laws to end ‘confusion’ and protect women-only spaces
9 months, 3 weeks ago

Tories issue pledge to overhaul equality laws to end ‘confusion’ and protect women-only spaces

The Independent  

Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The Tories have pledged to overhaul equality laws to redefine what …

Legal challenge over gender reform block to be heard next month
1 year, 7 months ago

Legal challenge over gender reform block to be heard next month

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The Scottish Government’s legal challenge …

Labour backs down on gender self-ID and will not follow SNP’s law change
1 year, 8 months ago

Labour backs down on gender self-ID and will not follow SNP’s law change

The Telegraph  

Labour has backed down on gender self-identification as the party confirmed it will not follow Nicola Sturgeon’s ill-fated trans law. Party chairman Anneliese Dodds insisted “sex and gender are different” and that a formal diagnosis would still be needed for transgender people to receive treatment on the NHS. Sir Keir Starmer, the Labour leader, previously pledged to change the law …

I was at the ‘sex and gender’ debate in parliament. What I saw both horrified and depressed me
1 year, 9 months ago

I was at the ‘sex and gender’ debate in parliament. What I saw both horrified and depressed me

The Independent  

I attended the Westminster Hall debate of the competing petitions calling for the Equality Act to be amended to redefine “sex” to mean biological sex, and not to do so. Statements that equate trans people with criminals and speak of eliminating us from society because of the “risks” posed to women and girls. At the eleventh hour, the promoters – …

Campaigners stage protest against transgender criminals in women’s prisons
2 years, 1 month ago

Campaigners stage protest against transgender criminals in women’s prisons

The Independent  

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Women’s rights campaigners with For Women Scotland joined with reform group Keep Prisons Safe …

Hundreds join rally against gender recognition reforms
2 years, 1 month ago

Hundreds join rally against gender recognition reforms

The Independent  

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy A controversial gender critic has thanked the Scottish Government for …

UK Athletics accused of misinterpreting transgender ‘sporting exemption’ clause
2 years, 1 month ago

UK Athletics accused of misinterpreting transgender ‘sporting exemption’ clause

The Independent  

Sign up to our free sport newsletter for all the latest news on everything from cycling to boxing Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our …

UK Athletics backs ban on trans women from female competition
2 years, 1 month ago

UK Athletics backs ban on trans women from female competition

The Independent  

Sign up to our free sport newsletter for all the latest news on everything from cycling to boxing Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our …

UK gender battle stirs talk of independence in Scotland
2 years, 2 months ago

UK gender battle stirs talk of independence in Scotland

Al Jazeera  

Scots voted to stay in the United Kingdom nine years ago, but a new cultural conflict with London has restarted a heated debate. “They get to attack both LGBTQ+ people, Scotland and the Scottish government all in one move.” For Herbert, and many others in Scotland’s trans community today, the personal is the political. Yet while unionists who voted for …

London, Scotland head for showdown as gender debate rages
2 years, 2 months ago

London, Scotland head for showdown as gender debate rages

Al Jazeera  

In an unprecedented move, London has used its powers to block Scotland’s gender reform bill. On Monday, the UK government triggered a Section 35 order to prevent Scotland’s Gender Recognition Reform Bill from reaching royal assent and passing into law. The GRR bill, which passed in the Scottish Parliament in Holyrood last month, states that a medical diagnosis of gender …

Scotland vows to challenge UK in court over gender law veto
2 years, 2 months ago

Scotland vows to challenge UK in court over gender law veto

Associated Press  

LONDON — Scotland’s leader said Tuesday she will take the British government to court over its decision to block a Scottish law that makes it easier for people to change their gender on official documents. First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said the Conservative U.K. government was making a “profound mistake” by vetoing the Gender Recognition Reform Bill passed by the Scottish …

Explained: Scotland’s transgender rights bill and UK’s decision to block it
2 years, 2 months ago

Explained: Scotland’s transgender rights bill and UK’s decision to block it

Firstpost  

Scotland wants to empower trans people, giving them more liberty to change their gender. British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has blocked the Gender Recognition Reform Bill passed in Scotland on 22 December. The legislation, which would make it easier for people to change their legal gender, was blocked by UK ministers, saying it would have an “adverse impact” on equality …

Nicola Sturgeon fury after ministers BLOCK looser gender identity rules in Scotland
2 years, 2 months ago

Nicola Sturgeon fury after ministers BLOCK looser gender identity rules in Scotland

Daily Mail  

Tories accused Nicola Sturgeon of 'weaponising vulnerable children' to further her separatist drive today. MPs lined up to support Scottish Secretary Alister Jack in the Commons as he laid out the reasons for wielding an unprecedented veto over the SNP's gender identity shake-up. MPs lined up to support Scottish Secretary Alister Jack in the Commons as he laid out the …

‘Traumatised’ women ‘could quit female-only clubs’ over Scottish gender reforms
2 years, 2 months ago

‘Traumatised’ women ‘could quit female-only clubs’ over Scottish gender reforms

The Telegraph  

“Traumatised” women could quit female-only clubs and sports after encountering people who have quickly changed their legal gender using Nicola Sturgeon's self-ID reforms, UK government papers vetoing the move have warned. Documents setting out the detailed reasons for the Scottish Secretary's controversial decision to block the Gender Recognition Reform Bill warned it could lead to a rise in the number …

UK government to block Scottish gender reform bill
2 years, 2 months ago

UK government to block Scottish gender reform bill

The Independent  

Sign up for the Independent Women email for the latest news, opinion and features Get the Independent Women email for free Get the Independent Women email for free SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Rishi Sunak’s government is to block controversial “gender ID” reform laws passed …

UK govt to veto Scotland’s gender self-recognition law
2 years, 2 months ago

UK govt to veto Scotland’s gender self-recognition law

Associated Press  

LONDON — The British government said Monday it will block a new law that makes it easier for people in Scotland to legally change their gender, sparking conflict with transgender rights advocates and the nationalist Scottish administration in Edinburgh. Secretary of State for Scotland Alister Jack said he would prevent the bill from getting royal assent — the final formality …

UK government blocks Scotland’s new gender recognition law
2 years, 2 months ago

UK government blocks Scotland’s new gender recognition law

CNN  

CNN — The UK government has blocked a new law intended to allow trans people in Scotland to change their legal gender without a medical diagnosis – a controversial move that has added fuel to the already highly emotional debate over Scottish independence. Scottish Secretary Alister Jack – the minister representing Scotland in the UK government – announced Monday that …

UK government blocks Scotland’s new gender recognition law
2 years, 2 months ago

UK government blocks Scotland’s new gender recognition law

CNN  

CNN — The UK government has blocked a new law intended to allow trans people in Scotland to change their legal gender without a medical diagnosis – a controversial move that has added fuel to the already highly emotional debate over Scottish independence. Scottish Secretary Alister Jack – the minister representing Scotland in the UK government – announced Monday that …

Nicola Sturgeon’s trans law will hurt English women’s rights, Government fears
2 years, 2 months ago

Nicola Sturgeon’s trans law will hurt English women’s rights, Government fears

The Telegraph  

The Government fears Nicola Sturgeon’s trans law will undermine women’s rights in England’s schools, hospitals and prisons, The Telegraph understands. Government lawyers have been commissioned to look at the issue and also examine whether the new laws mean that single-sex schools could be forced to change their rules to allow people who have changed gender to attend. Under Edinburgh’s new …

‘Completely reasonable’ for government to consider blocking Scottish gender laws, Sunak says
2 years, 3 months ago

‘Completely reasonable’ for government to consider blocking Scottish gender laws, Sunak says

The Independent  

Rishi Sunak has said it would be “completely reasonable” for the UK government to consider blocking Scotland’s controversial new self-identification gender reforms. “So I think it is completely reasonable for the UK Government to have a look at it, understand what the consequences are for women and children’s safety in the rest of the UK, and then decide on what …

Westminster threatens to block controversial Scottish gender recognition law
2 years, 3 months ago

Westminster threatens to block controversial Scottish gender recognition law

The Independent  

Scotland has become the first part of the UK to approve gender self-identification plans that some applauded as a “historic day for equality”, while others protested over the rights of women and girls. The UK government has said it may block Scotland's controversial new gender recognition laws - but Holyrood has warned any attempt to do so would be “vigorously …

MSPs pass gender reforms but UK Government threatens block
2 years, 3 months ago

MSPs pass gender reforms but UK Government threatens block

The Independent  

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The UK Government has said it may block Scotland’s controversial …

What is Scotland's Gender Recognition Reform Bill?
2 years, 3 months ago

What is Scotland's Gender Recognition Reform Bill?

Daily Mail  

The Scottish Parliament has voted to pass controversial new gender recognition laws to put Edinburgh on course for a clash with Westminster. The Gender Recognition Reform Bill will make it easier for trans people to obtain a gender recognition certificate, which is legal recognition of their acquired gender. First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, whose SNP-led Scottish Government pushed through the bill, …

Gender self-determination to be granted in Spain, Scotland
2 years, 3 months ago

Gender self-determination to be granted in Spain, Scotland

Associated Press  

MADRID — Spain’s lower house of Parliament Thursday passed a law that allows people over 16 years of age to change their legally registered gender without any medical supervision. Up to now, Spanish transgender people needed a diagnosis by several doctors of gender dysphoria, which is the psychological condition of not feeling a match between one’s biological sex and gender …

Gender self-determination to be granted in Spain, Scotland
2 years, 3 months ago

Gender self-determination to be granted in Spain, Scotland

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Please try again later {{ …

Controversial gender reforms passed by MSPs
2 years, 3 months ago

Controversial gender reforms passed by MSPs

The Independent  

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Trans rights are not in competition with women’s rights, and as so often before, …

Scotland’s Gender Recognition Reform Bill – What it means and what comes next
2 years, 3 months ago

Scotland’s Gender Recognition Reform Bill – What it means and what comes next

The Independent  

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. The Gender Recognition Reform Bill passed after lengthy debates at Holyrood, often amid divisive …

Scotland’s move to simplify gender change stirs strong views
2 years, 3 months ago

Scotland’s move to simplify gender change stirs strong views

Associated Press  

LONDON — A plan by Scotland’s government to make it easier for people to change gender for legal purposes has sparked acrimonious debate, with lawmakers arguing inside the Edinburgh parliament and rival groups of protesters demonstrating outside. Tuesday’s debate descended into acrimony, with spectators shouting “Shame on you” after lawmakers defeated an amendment that aimed to prevent convicted sex offenders …

Ministers threaten legal action over fears Nicola Sturgeon’s gender bill could lead to ‘trans tourism’
2 years, 3 months ago

Ministers threaten legal action over fears Nicola Sturgeon’s gender bill could lead to ‘trans tourism’

The Telegraph  

Ministers have threatened legal action over Scottish gender recognition reforms amid concern over “trans tourism”. They warned it could lead to “trans tourism” - whereby a transgender woman could travel to Scotland to have their gender legally changed, then use their new official status to access female-only spaces south of the border. She added it was “not possible” for the …

Holyrood debates gender recognition reform legislation
2 years, 4 months ago

Holyrood debates gender recognition reform legislation

The Independent  

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. A stage one debate on the Gender Recognition Reform Bill is due to take …

Nicola Sturgeon insists 'abusive men are a risk to women, not trans women' in row with JK Rowling
2 years, 5 months ago

Nicola Sturgeon insists 'abusive men are a risk to women, not trans women' in row with JK Rowling

Daily Mail  

But Sturgeon has doubled down, telling an interviewer 'abusive men are the risk to women, not trans women' First Minister Nicola Sturgeon wants legislation to make it easier for transgender people to 'self ID' Nicola Sturgeon has doubled down in her row with JK Rowling over trans rights, telling an interview that 'abusive men are the risk to women, not …

Nicola Sturgeon’s transgender plan confusing for rest of UK, equality commission warns
2 years, 5 months ago

Nicola Sturgeon’s transgender plan confusing for rest of UK, equality commission warns

The Telegraph  

Nicola Sturgeon’s controversial plan to allow people to self-identify their legal gender in Scotland risks “confusion” about their status in the rest of the UK and the services they can access, the equalities watchdog has warned. The watchdog warned there would be “implications for the operation of the Equality Act”, which outlaws sex discrimination, regardless of whether the UK Government …

Scots who change gender under new trans laws risk having status ignored in England
2 years, 8 months ago

Scots who change gender under new trans laws risk having status ignored in England

The Telegraph  

People who change their legal sex in Scotland under Nicola Sturgeon’s controversial overhaul of transgender laws may see their new status ignored when they cross the border, it has emerged. The Telegraph understands that UK ministers are considering refusing to recognise gender recognition certificates which would be issued under the new SNP system, which will operate under a "self-identification" model …

Transgender Scots will be allowed to choose their own sex on the 2022 census
3 years, 1 month ago

Transgender Scots will be allowed to choose their own sex on the 2022 census

The Telegraph  

Transgender Scots can choose their own sex in this year’s census even if it has not been legally changed after campaigners lost a legal battle to have controversial guidance revoked. He found that in “the modern age” the meaning of the word sex was not as limited as Fair Play for Women had argued “Examples of state recognition of a …

Petition forces Commons debate on trans rights to self-identification
3 years, 1 month ago

Petition forces Commons debate on trans rights to self-identification

The Independent  

Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Campaigners for women’s rights said the change would make it impossible to protect single-sex spaces …

New trans laws in Scotland could open up ‘loophole’ for rest of UK
3 years, 1 month ago

New trans laws in Scotland could open up ‘loophole’ for rest of UK

The Telegraph  

A controversial relaxation of trans laws in Scotland may be unconstitutional because it will allow other UK citizens to "self-declare" their own gender by crossing the border, campaigners have warned. Fair Play for Women said the SNP plans would open up a clear "loophole" which would allow people from England, Wales and Northern Ireland to obtain a legal change in …

My transgender reforms do not threaten women’s rights, says Nicola Sturgeon
3 years, 1 month ago

My transgender reforms do not threaten women’s rights, says Nicola Sturgeon

The Telegraph  

The Scottish Government wants to remove the need for a medical diagnosis of gender dysphoria to obtain a gender recognition certificate, instead allowing people to “self declare”. The EHRC said that the moves could in practice extend the right to change gender from a “small defined group” who had demonstrated their commitment to the process to “a wider group who …

Nicola Sturgeon’s transgender reforms ‘could be harmful to women and should be stopped’
3 years, 2 months ago

Nicola Sturgeon’s transgender reforms ‘could be harmful to women and should be stopped’

The Telegraph  

Nicola Sturgeon’s plans to overhaul transgender laws in Scotland risk proving damaging to women and should be shelved, the UK’s equalities watchdog has said. The Scottish Government is expected to publish legislation within weeks which would allow people to “self-declare” their own gender, removing the need for a medical diagnosis, to obtain a gender recognition certificate. He said: “We do …

Discover Related