Organisations Refusing to Comply with UK Law Following Supreme Court Judgment on Sex in the Equality Act 2010

The UK Supreme Court ruling on April 15, 2025, clarified that the terms “woman” and “sex” in the Equality Act 2010 refer to biological sex, emphasising that sex is binary and immutable. This decision, led by Lord Hodge, has sparked varied reactions, with some organisations and individuals opposing or expressing intent to disregard it. However, despite the legal clarity, several prominent organisations have publicly declared their intent to disregard or challenge the judgment, raising concerns about compliance with UK law. This article explores these organisations, their stated positions, and the broader implications of their defiance.

Refuge Charity

I mean this awful organisation should have been closed down a long time ago – they don’t support victims of abuse and have a totally captured ideological governance. In response to the Supreme Court ruling on gender and single-sex spaces, Gemma Sherrington, CEO of Refuge, said: “Today’s ruling by the Supreme Court will not change the way Refuge operates. We remain firmly committed to supporting all survivors of domestic abuse, including trans women.” Completely failing again to comprehend safeguarding, dignity or respect!

The Thackray Museum of Medicine

Now this one to me is very disappointing, having taken students on trips to review the history of medicine and it was a great trip and experience for them. So this statement is ludicrous as it denies all of their historical artefacts and basis that medicine and health rely on acknowledging there are two distinct sexes within humans! And yet…. they claim that ‘sex and gender are a spectrum’ and this is ‘supported by science’. Seriously!

Vagina Museum

Vagina(n.) “sexual passage of the female from the vulva to the uterus,” – I mean the irony is off the scale on this one! – enjoy in full:

“The Vagina Museum Board of Trustees’ response to the UK Supreme Court ruling -In light of the UK Supreme Court ruling, the Board of Trustees of the Vagina Museum wish to express their unequivocal support of and solidarity with their trans staff, volunteers, community partners, visitors and wider audience. From the outset, the Vagina Museum has always been trans inclusive. An important part of its mission around spreading knowledge and raising awareness of gynaecological anatomy and health has been to challenge normative assumptions around our bodies and how they may or may not be connected to experiences of gender, gender expression and broader sexuality. In doing so, we highlight that sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation and other characteristics related to sexual identity exist in various different combinations and their relationship to one another is never clear cut. What is clear to us is that everyone, regardless of their body parts, are deserving of human rights, dignity and the power to identity as they wish to. Just as we act as a forum for women’s reproductive health and rights from a feminist, inclusive and intersectional perspective; we will continue to advocate for trans, non-binary and queer communities and rights.
We cannot talk about feminism unless our feminism includes trans folks.
We cannot talk about reproductive rights without trans rights.
We cannot advocate for human rights without trans rights.
The ruling comes amidst an increasingly frightening climate for trans people in the UK and globally. We will continue to abide by our values, and ensure that the Vagina Museum remains a space in which trans people are included, welcomed and celebrated.
In solidarity.”

The London Marathon 2025

Who have pledged to continue allowing males to compete in the women’s category in the mass participation race this weekend, in spite of the judgement. He confirmed that those taking part in the mass event on Sunday would remain entitled to self-identify as male, female or non-binary, regardless of their birth sex. ‘To take part in championship, elite or in any age-group prizes, they have to be birth women, women as defined by the courts,’ explained London Marathon boss Hugh Brasher. ‘To take part in the mass event, it is a self-selection. Do I know the exact numbers of transgender women running? No, because it is a self-selection. How do you check? ‘People are asked to provide ID. But your ID can be your passport, your passport would say your gender and your gender can say female even if you were born male. This is complex.’

Dawn Butler (Labour MP)

I mean not much explanation is required when it comes to the insane things that come out of Dawn’s mouth – however she did say “As far as I am concerned Transwomen should continue to use women’s bathrooms” after the Supreme court ruling!

Politics JOE & Labour’s Clive Lewis MP

I mean nothing this ridiculous man’s website puts out is worthy of much attention, nor are any of the words spoken by Clive Lewis. They are both ideologues and cannot see the wood for the tress – a few snippets below!

Clive Lewis MP “There are a small group of extremists on the far-right who want to see trans people victimised. They are using this as a wedge issue to channel hate. And frankly, the vast majority of people in this country don’t want that. [What happens next must be] about protecting the rights of all human beings to live their lives as they see fit, without discrimination and fear for their existence and their identity.” Watch to find out more about my reaction on today’s BBC Politics Live to the recent supreme court ruling on gender identity.

Margate’s Crab Museum

The Crab Museum, described as a “museum of biology,” posted on social media claiming “there are no binaries in nature,” directly challenging the Supreme Court’s assertion that sex is binary. This statement frames the ruling as damaging to trans people, suggesting a rejection of the biological basis of sex as clarified by the court. Milli Hill criticises this as an “abuse of science,” indicating the museum’s stance is rooted in ideological opposition rather than scientific evidence. The museum’s response prioritises trans inclusion over the legal clarification of biological sex.

Amnesty International

Amnesty International, a once respected human rights organisation, issued statements via social media describing the Supreme Court ruling as harmful to trans people. Their posts frame the decision as an attack on trans rights, implying that the clarification of “woman” as biological female undermines trans inclusion. This suggests a reluctance to align with the ruling’s legal definitions, prioritising trans advocacy over the court’s emphasis on biological sex as a protected characteristic under the Equality Act.

Equality Network

The Equality Network, a Scottish organization advocating for LGBTI rights, sent a letter to the Scottish Parliament’s Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee following the ruling. The letter, referenced in an X post by @SP_EHRCJ, likely expresses concerns about the ruling’s impact on trans rights, as their advocacy focuses on trans inclusion. While the exact content of the letter isn’t fully detailed, their engagement suggests opposition to the ruling’s emphasis on biological sex, advocating for policies that prioritize gender identity.

Bristol Old Vic Theatre

Bristol Old Vic stated it “strives to be a place that represents all of Bristol’s communities and where all communities feel welcome and respected. In light of the recent Supreme Court ruling on the legal definitions of sex and gender, we want to reassure our trans and non-binary visitors, staff and artists that you are welcome here. We will only ever intervene if people are behaving inappropriately in any of our spaces. Bristol Old Vic belongs to everyone. #ComeOnIn“

The Project PT Gym (Oxford)

Deary me the hyperbolic twaddle here from Milly did make me chuckle! A post on Instagram reads: “Yesterday, the UK Supreme Court ruled that the protected characteristic of ‘sex’ and the term ‘woman’ outlined in the Equality Act refers to ‘biological’ women and not trans women. Trans women are women. A legal ruling does not change that fact or erase real lived experiences. A legal ruling which The Good Law project has called “shockingly unfair” after the court refused to hear from a single trans person yet heard from multiple anti-trans groups. The ruling could change how organisations operate in regard to single-sex spaces and potentially create more exclusion. This means it’s more important than ever that we strive to actively include and support trans people in our communities. Amnesty International’s chief executive Sacha Deshmukh, calls for “All public authorities in the UK to unequivocally enforce protections for trans people against discrimination and harassment.” Not only in a legal sense but we need to step up to support trans lives everyday. Amongst times of fear and uncertainty we need to be proactive in creating more joy and a sense of belonging and inclusion in our communities. Check in on your trans friends/family, go for coffee, organise events, fundraise, stand up for trans people in real life, not just online. When the law fails to protect us, we can work to protect each other. Written by Milly”

Abby Traynor, CEO of Rape Crisis Tyneside and Northumberland

She has been their CEO for a few short months and stated on LinkedIn that it was ‘business as usual’ at her centre and that they would continue to support ‘all women’ – including the fellas. After an unprecedented amount of push back for LinkedIn (and closing her comments) – She wrote a follow up post in which she said, “Yesterday I guess I (somewhat naively!) assumed that there would be few people who had an objection to us continuing to help trans and non binary vulnerable survivors of sexual abuse, when it’s been part of RCTN’s core offer for many years – seems I was wrong!” The comments on this post have also been turned off and she still stans for the men above the female rape victims and survivors! #Handmaiden

Dorset Museum & Art Gallery

Maybe it was the “intern” – we have all heard that excuse before, but the post from Dorset Museum and Art Gallery stated “….we encourage all visitors to continue to use the facilities that align with their gender identity”. The same post can no longer found on their Instagram or Facebook pages. Maybe they were made aware by their legal team, it was an ill advised post?

University and College Union (UCU)

Unsurprisingly the UCU, who have been longstanding members of the “Trans Cult” stated.. “UCU stands in unwavering solidarity with trans members following the Supreme Court ruling. We proudly support trans rights. We will listen, learn and act alongside our members. Our full statement: www.ucu.org.uk/article/1399…” Our policy position remains clear: we proudly and actively support trans rights, and we will continue to campaign for fully inclusive practices across our union and workplaces. We know the clarification of the Equality Act and associated public discourse may cause concern or distress, especially for our trans members and colleagues. We stand in full solidarity with you. Your rights, safety, and dignity matter, and we are committed to ensuring your voice is heard and respected. We will be taking time to carefully consider how we can best advocate for the most inclusive policies and practices across our workplaces. This will include listening to and learning from our members, especially those with lived experience, to ensure that our approach is as informed, effective, and inclusive as possible. They also include a list of protest dates https://whatthetrans.com/compilation-of-protests-against-the-supreme-court/ and a template letter to MP’s!! https://www.translegalproject.org/post/urgent-action-write-to-your-mp-to-protest-the-supreme-court-ruling-and-the-ehrc-s-proposals-to-impo

The Black Box in Belfast

For the love of all things female – have you read this BS – “As a female led organisation, we support ALL women. We cannot accept warped feminist ideology that excludes, punishes or abandons. We are feminists. That means being inclusive, supportive and fighting for the rights and representation of all people, all genders, no matter how you identify. We will continue to remain a safe and inclusive space for all people who come through our doors. We see you. We grieve with you. We fight with you. You are not alone. #TransRightsAreHumanRights #TransWomenAreWomen https://www.instagram.com/p/DIi86D8IpYK/?hl=en

https://www.blackboxbelfast.com/

Every Day Racism

What has men in the ladies got to do with racism? No idea? Me either – but you know the CSJW do love to band together and put out utter drivel! … and so we get “You get one shot at life. Use it to bring good to the world. Imagine this being your legacy. You’ve got millions and millions and this is your cause and literally what have you changed? How is life any better because of this? These people have hate in their hearts.” https://www.instagram.com/p/DIlE1GjMznm/ Writers|Educators|Speakers •Founders @natalievevans @naominatashaevans

The Clock Tower Sanctuary

The Clock Tower Sanctuary is Brighton & Hove’s only day centre for 16-25 year olds experiencing homelessness – here for vital practical and emotional support (charity status may be at risk?!) And just look who they are directing people to for support!! Oh and they used that old chestnut “Trans women will always be welcome in our women’s group…”

“There’s a lot of fear and uncertainty in the community right now, and we’re feeling it too. If you’d like to talk to someone, please reach out. For those under 18, please reach out to Mermaids Support Line, (Monday – Friday, 1pm – 8:30pm) on 0808 801 0400. For those over 18, please reach out to our Support Line on 0800 640 8046, via WhatsApp on 07592 650 496 or by email on supportline@genderedintelligence.co.uk.”

I mean – could they be more dangerous?! They even link to https://genderedintelligence.co.uk/news/19-uk-supreme-court-judgement-on-women-and-sex-in-the-equality-act-2010 Gendered intelligence!!!! (see below)

University of Cambridge’s Faculty of Education

Statement Overview: The Faculty of Education at the University of Cambridge issued a statement expressing concern that the Supreme Court ruling could lead to a “hostile environment” for trans people. They argue that the legal clarification of sex as biological might negatively impact trans inclusion within educational settings. This stance indicates a preference for maintaining trans-inclusive policies, potentially in defiance of the ruling’s implications for single-sex spaces and services

Here are some other nonsense takes:

Caroline Russell @carolinerussell.bsky.social London Assembly Member since 2016, Green Group Leader and Transport lead. Highbury Councillor since 2014. Green Party cityhallgreens.com

Carla Denyer @carladenyer.bsky.social Green MP for Bristol Central. Co-leader of the Green Party of England and Wales. Engineer. Bi She/Her. Need to get in touch? carla.denyer.mp@parliament.uk

Zoë Garbett @zoegarbett.bsky.social Green Party Member of London Assembly & Dalston Ward Councillor. Focus: drugs. inequality. policing. housing. street markets. She/her. Promoted by Stefan Liberadzki on behalf of Zoë Garbett, Green Party, c/o PO Box 78066, London SE16 9GQ

You get the picture and I’d be here all week finding all those who are having a tantrum at the fact men are no longer allowed in the ladies – If you have any other feel free to let me know! Remember to ALWAYS KEEP RECIEPTS!

Broader Context and Public Reaction

The resistance reflects a cultural divide over gender identity and free speech. Many organisations adopted trans-inclusive policies following advocacy from LGBTQ+ groups (Stonewall UK), but the ruling challenges their scope when they infringe on sex-based rights or free expression. Non-compliance undermines the rule of law, while supporters of trans-inclusive policies view resistance as protecting equality (Transgender Equality Network). Non-compliance risks legal consequences under the Equality Act, including lawsuits or EHRC sanctions. The ruling also prompts policy reviews. The Department for Education and other bodies are urged to clarify applications in schools, healthcare, and sports (DfE Equality Guidance). The EHRC can investigate breaches, and public pressure is mounting for action against named organisations (https://www.equalityhumanrights.com/guidance/public-sector-equality-duty-psed).

The fundamental issue here is the law has not changed, it was merely clarified. So no rights have been removed. Women just got theirs back!

Conclusion

The Supreme Court’s ruling, is a pivotal moment for free speech and sex-based rights in the UK. Organisations like the NHS, London Marathon, Rape Crisis Tyneside, and Dorset Museums face accusations of non-compliance, as highlighted in public discourse and above. The government and EHRC face pressure to enforce the ruling, particularly in sensitive sectors https://www.equalityhumanrights.com/.

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