UK Supreme Court Defines 'Woman' Under Equality Act

 

 

Lord Hodge, the Deputy President of the UK Supreme Court, delivered a landmark Supreme Court ruling clarifying that "woman" under the Equality Act 2010 refers to biological sex. The decision, seen as highly significant, stirred national debate over legal rights and gender identity.

 

Adding to the attention, Lord Hodge also announced his retirement from the UK Supreme Court, effective 31 December 2025, after more than a decade of service.The Supreme Court's judgment, delivered unanimously, clarified that while "woman" and "sex" mean biological categories, trans individuals remain protected under the Equality Act through provisions covering gender reassignment. 

see also: UK Supreme Court Limits Trans Women’s Equality Act Protections

Lord Hodge, in presenting the decision, emphasised the court’s neutral stance, stating it was not a win for one group over another. His retirement marks the end of a distinguished judicial career spanning over 11 years. An independent selection commission will begin the process of finding a replacement for Lord Hodge after his retirement.