A new landmark ruling in the UK will bar trans women from using female bathrooms and participating in women’s sports.

UK Bans Trans Participation: Transgender women in the UK will be prohibited from using female bathrooms and participating in women’s sports following a new landmark ruling, according to an equality chief.

The decision follows a ruling by the United Kingdom’s Supreme Court, which determined that the legal definition of “woman” under the Equality Act 2010 refers specifically to biological sex. This effectively excludes trans women from being classified as women under key areas of the law.

In a unanimous judgment, the court stated that the terms “woman” and “sex” in the Equality Act pertain to biological women, sparking celebration from gender-critical campaigners and raising concerns among trans rights advocates.

Baroness Kishwer Falkner, chairwoman of the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC), described the ruling as “enormously consequential” and vowed to hold organizations accountable that fail to update their policies in response.

Addressing issues such as toilets, changing rooms, and sports, Falkner affirmed that the ruling provides ‘clarity’ to service providers on their obligations under equality law regarding single-sex spaces.

Still on UK Bans Trans Participation

When asked if it was now clear that trans women cannot compete in women’s sports, she replied, “Yes, it is.”

Regarding changing rooms and toilets, she stated, “Single-sex services like changing rooms must be based on biological sex.” She added that there is no law against organizations providing third spaces, such as unisex toilets, and encouraged trans rights organizations to advocate for such alternatives.

The commission plans to present an updated statutory code of practice to Parliament by the summer, incorporating the judgment’s implications. Falkner said the commission would continue to ensure compliance, using enforcement if necessary.

In light of the ruling, several organizations have begun revising their policies. The British Transport Police (BTP) announced an “interim position” where trans individuals will be searched by officers according to their birth sex while in custody.

Lawyer Peter Byrne, head of employment law at Slater and Gordon, predicted that many businesses would need to revise their policies regarding same-sex toilets. He noted that the option for employees to choose which bathroom they feel comfortable using is likely to be removed, and suggested that disabled toilets may become a default alternative.