UK ruling that woman refers to biological sex “brings clarity,” says government

The legal definition of a woman in equalities law is based on biological sex, the UK’s Supreme Court has ruled unanimously, ending long running controversy over whether the term could include a person who had changed gender from male to female.1

“The terms woman and sex in the Equality Act 2010 refer to a biological woman and biological sex,” said Lord Hodge, Lady Rose, and Lady Simler in an 88 page judgment with which the other two justices agreed.

The appeal was brought by For Women Scotland over Scottish legislation to establish gender quotas for public boards, …