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06 June 2025 / Dr Nathan Tamblyn
Issue: 8119 / Categories: Features , Equality , Diversity , Human rights , Discrimination
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Beyond the binary

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The logical fallacies & practical problems which arise from the Supreme Court’s ruling on sex show that a kinder & more nuanced approach is needed, argues Dr Nathan Tamblyn
  • How the Equality and Human Rights Commission’s public consultation on the Equality Act 2010 reveals lingering problems with the Supreme Court’s decision about sex in For Women Scotland Ltd v Scottish Ministers [2025] UKSC 16.

The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has launched a public consultation on updating its code of practice on the Equality Act 2010 (EqA 2010) in light of the Supreme Court’s decision in For Women Scotland Ltd v Scottish Ministers [2025] UKSC 16. It reveals some persisting problems, which in turn suggests the need for legislative reform.

A lack of definitions

The Supreme Court said that ‘sex’ in EqA 2010 meant sex recorded at birth (see Nicholas Dobson’s article on the ruling: ‘Equality Act 2010—“man”, “woman” & “sex” defined’, NLJ, 2 May 2025, p13). They used the term ‘biological’ sex,

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MOVERS & SHAKERS

Charles Russell Speechlys—James Paterson

Charles Russell Speechlys—James Paterson

Charles Russell Speechlys further bolsters Private Equity expertise with the appointment of James Paterson

Ellisons—Samuel Flower

Ellisons—Samuel Flower

Ellisons strengthens Rural Affairs team with senior appointment

Sidley—Carl Hotton

Sidley—Carl Hotton

Sidley adds insurance mergers and acquisitions partner to London office

NEWS
Consultant-led law firms should prepare for closer regulatory attention as oversight evolves
Artificial intelligence may draft workplace grievances, but employers cannot treat them any differently from conventional complaints
From dishonest claimants to judicial promotions and procedural skirmishes, the latest legal developments offer plenty for litigators to digest
Fresh guidance is set to influence how courts decide whether hearings take place online or in person
County Court judges remain divided over whether landlords can lawfully force entry to carry out essential safety inspections after tenants ignore access injunctions
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