header-logo header-logo

Gender critical cases: making bad law?

169190
The law is tying itself in knots over gender critical cases. A new approach is needed urgently to make the UK safer for trans people, says Oscar Davies
  • In recent gender critical cases, judges have taken the wrong approach, permitting the erosion of trans and non-binary people’s rights.
  • Judges must focus on what the belief is, and whether it contains elements of transphobia.
  • If a belief is protected, the manifestations must comply with the Equality Act 2010, or the employer is likely to be justified in sanctioning the employee. Sex has its place, but gender identity—and trans identity—must be respected.

‘Gender critical’ cases are a hot seat of litigation in the UK. But are judges getting it right in their approach?

A ‘belief’ can be protected in certain circumstances under s 10 of the Equality Act 2010 (EqA 2010). Section 10 states: ‘Belief means any religious or philosophical belief and a reference to belief includes a reference to a lack of belief.’

For a philosophical

If you are not a subscriber, subscribe now to read this content
If you are already a subscriber sign in
...or Register for two weeks' free access to subscriber content

MOVERS & SHAKERS

NLJ Career Profile: Mike Wilson, Blake Morgan

NLJ Career Profile: Mike Wilson, Blake Morgan

Mike Wilson, managing partner of Blake Morgan chair of the CBI’s South-East Council, reflects on his career the challenges that have defined him

Clarke Willmott—Alexandria Kittlety

Clarke Willmott—Alexandria Kittlety

Partner joins commercial property team in Birmingham

Birketts—Will MacFarlane & Sarah Dodds

Birketts—Will MacFarlane & Sarah Dodds

Family team expands with double appointment in Bristol office

NEWS
Lawyers have expressed dismay at the Chancellor Rachel Reeve’s decision to impose a £2,000 cap on salary sacrifice contributions
NLJ is inviting its readers to take part in this year’s annual reader research, a short survey designed to help shape the future direction of the magazine. The questionnaire consists of just eight quick questions and offers an opportunity for legal professionals to share their views on the content, coverage and issues that matter most to them.
The Law Society has urged regulators not to ban the term ‘no win no fee’, as the profession contemplates measures to prevent a disaster like the SSB Group collapse from happening again
The legal profession's leaders have mounted a robust defence of trial by jury, following reports that Justice Secretary David Lammy is considering restricting it to rape, murder, manslaughter and other cases that are in the public interest
CILEX (the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives) has been granted permission to appeal Mazur, a decision which has caused consternation among litigation firms
back-to-top-scroll