UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has praised a landmark Supreme Court ruling that defines a woman, under equality laws, as based on biological sex. He said the decision brings much-needed

clarity to gender-related policies and guidance.

The ruling, issued on April 16, confirms that single-sex services — including women’s shelters, hospital wards, and sports — can lawfully exclude trans women. It resolves ongoing legal uncertainty on the issue.

Starmer, speaking publicly on the matter for the first time, said, “I think for those that are now drawing up guidance, it’s a much clearer position. We can move on from there and I think that’s been very helpful, and I would welcome that.”

The case was brought by the group For Women Scotland, and their supporters have hailed the decision as a victory for the rights of biological women. Meanwhile, trans rights advocates criticized the ruling, warning it could lead to harmful exclusion and reduced legal protections for trans individuals.

Despite the clarification, the Supreme Court emphasized that the Equality Act still protects trans people — both trans women and men — from discrimination and harassment.

Starmer’s stance on the issue has shifted over time. In 2023, he told the Sunday Times that “for 99.9% of women, it is completely biological ... and of course they haven't got a penis.” Later, he stated on BBC Radio, “Firstly, a woman is an adult female, so let’s clear that up.” This week, he reaffirmed that the court had now “made it absolutely clear” on that definition.

Following the ruling, public institutions, including health services, will need to reassess their single-sex space policies. Equalities Minister Bridget Phillipson said the Equality and Human Rights Commission will issue new guidance and a statutory code to ensure services remain safe and accessible to all. Photo by Tom Morris, Wikimedia commons.