Labour Women’s Declaration welcomes today’s unanimous ruling from the Supreme Court which confirms that sex in the Equality Act is biological sex. This is what the law has always been, but thanks to the bravery and tenacity of For Women Scotland and the interveners (the lesbian groups and Sex Matters), today’s ruling brings an end to the many years of confusion and misinformation. 

Following this ruling, the Labour Government has repeated its pledge to protect single-sex spaces and services based on biological sex: 

“This ruling brings clarity and confidence, for women and service providers such as hospitals, refuges, and sports clubs. Single-sex spaces are protected in law and will always be protected by this government.” 

The government now needs to instruct all government departments to bring their policies, training and guidance into line with the judgment. 

The “clarity and confidence” the ruling brings must also be applied to all positive action initiatives and associations for women within the Labour Party, such as women’s branches and committees.

Our gratitude and respect goes out to all women who have courageously spoken out within the party. As Labour women, we have stood by our party, and now look to Labour to do the right thing and stand by us.

Labour Women’s Declaration

16 April 2025