Statement on the Supreme Court Ruling in 'For Women Scotland v Scottish Ministers'
Like many, we are disappointed and deeply concerned by today’s Supreme Court judgement, which marks a significant and troubling shift away from decades of settled legal precedent.
By redefining sex in law as “biological” — a term with no clear legal or scientific consensus, and one that does not reflect the lived realities of many people, the ruling introduces confusion and instability into our legal system, which has treated “sex” and “gender” as interchangeable for decades.
We are concerned that this creates an unsatisfactory ambiguity around how people with various endocrine and intersex conditions should be treated, how Gender Recognition Certificates can be obtained and given their intended force in law, and many other areas.
This ruling undermines established protections for trans+ people. Attempts to define sex biologically risk rolling back hard-won rights for all women, not just trans+ women, which is why Liberal Democrats oppose them.
However, nothing in this judgement means that trans+ women can or should be regularly excluded from women's services and spaces. The law still says that trans+ people should not be excluded without a proportionate and legitimate reason.
As LGBT+ Liberal Democrats, we will not stand by in silence. We don't think Britain is the sort of country where people should have to show their 'papers, please' in order to use the loo.
The fight for trans+ equality continues, and we will never stop standing up for our trans+, non-binary and gender non-conforming communities, and all communities under our wonderfully diverse LGBTQ+ umbrella.
We are proud to be in the most progressive party across Great Britain for LGBT+ rights. Lib Dems seek to uplift individuals and their communities, and help them to be the best they can be, free to be who they are.
We believe people when they show us who they are. We celebrate diversity, and do not support efforts to legislate in ignorance to enforce conformity. We remain steadfast in our commitment to dignity, safety and justice for all.
Ever yours,
The Executive Committee
LGBT+ Liberal Democrats
This statement follows Plus's initial holding statement, shared earlier today shortly after the ruling, which read:
We are studying today's judgement by the UK Supreme Court. Nothing they rule will change our solidarity with the trans+ community and with everyone who seeks to live their lives under control of their own bodies, and free from poverty, ignorance or conformity. Trans women are women, trans men are men, and non-binary and intersex folks are just as valid just as they are. It's time this was reflected in the law of the land, and LGBT+ Lib Dems will be at the forefront of pushing for that change. Lots of love to our trans+ siblings and their loved ones today.