The Definition of Sex in the Equality Act 2010 & The Practical Implications

Introduction

On 16 April 2025, the Supreme Court ruled that the legal definition of the word ‘sex’ in the Equality Act 2010 means biological sex. The Court also emphasised that those who have transitioned from one gender to another are still protected by the Equality Act 2010, because there is the protected characteristic ‘gender reassignment’.

This ruling does cause complications for employers, particularly around the management of single sex spaces and services. There have already been two cases that have gone to the courts, that have given us some insight into the implications of the rulings, but with different guidance.

In this webinar we will understand what the ruling from the Supreme Court says, we will look at recent case law, and we will understand practical implications from the rulings.

What You Will Learn

This webinar will cover the following:

• The ruling from the Supreme Court
• What the ruling says
• The difference between sex and gender reassignment
• Recent case law
• Rulings in the cases
• What we learn from the cases
• The Equality Act 2010
• The protection for those who have undergone gender reassignment
• What the Supreme Court ruling means for the protected characteristic of sex and gender reassignment
• Practical issues to consider
• What employers need to consider
• Providing support for all employees
• Communicating the implications to employees
• Practical application of the ruling