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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

Browne Jacobson—Vicky Tomlinson

Browne Jacobson—Vicky Tomlinson

Browne Jacobson appoints Vicky Tomlinson as Head of Independent Health and Care

DWF—five appointments

DWF—five appointments

DWF further strengthens major injury and casualty offering with new partner and four directors from DAC Beachcroft

Switalskis—Laura Ornsby

Switalskis—Laura Ornsby

Switalskis strengthens Grimsby child care team

NEWS
The Financial Reporting Council’s revised Audit Enforcement Procedure will alter the balance of power in corporate investigations
A telecoms operator may be able to hold over under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954, yet still be unable to secure a renewal: an outcome described as a legal ‘paradox’

Safety fears do not automatically justify shutting an interested person out of a statutory will application

Consumer credit law is heading for its biggest shake-up in 50 years, with the Consumer Credit Act 1974 set to yield much of its detailed statutory machinery to FCA rules
The Supreme Court has settled a long-running dispute over part-time workers: unfavourable treatment need be a significant or effective cause, not the sole cause
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