‘TERF Wars: What the UK Supreme Court Ruling Means for Women, CX, and Gender Equality’ by Clare Muscutt

The recent ruling by the UK Supreme Court in For Women Scotland Ltd v The Scottish Ministers has sparked significant discussion and debate regarding gender identity, legal definitions, and the practical implications for inclusivity across various sectors, including Customer Experience. 

This ruling established that under the Equality Act 2010, the terms "woman" and "sex" refer strictly to biological sex. Consequently, this decision explicitly permits—but crucially, does not mandate—the exclusion of trans women from single-sex spaces such as toilets, changing rooms, and certain women-only services.

There has been much debate around the subject of gender. Some feminist groups have claimed the ruling is a win for women. Parts of the LGBTQ+ community agree. But I personally think a person’s identity shouldn't be up for debate. And, that further oppressing an already marginalised, vulnerable group of people is only a victory for transphobia (and of course, the patriarchy)…