A United Nations independent human rights expert has called on political leaders in the United Kingdom to support the implementation of a Supreme Court ruling that defines legal sex based on biological characteristics rather than gender identity. The expert cautioned that opposition to the updated equality guidance could undermine protections for women and girls.

Reem Alsalem, the Human Rights Council-appointed Special Rapporteur on violence against women and girls, expressed concern on 14 July 2026 about public criticism of draft guidance issued on 21 May by the UK's Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC). This draft Code of Practice outlines how organizations should apply the Supreme Court's April 2025 ruling in practice, including when single-sex spaces and services should be provided based on biological sex.

The 2025 UK Supreme Court decision, aligned with the Equality Act 2010, affects the application of equality law in areas such as changing rooms, hospital wards, and refuges for survivors of domestic abuse. Alsalem noted that the judgment has sparked a broader debate on balancing protections for women and transgender people under UK law.

Highlighting the public response to the draft Code of Practice, Alsalem said it revealed “how fragile the protection of women's rights remains” and how easily women's rights to “safety, privacy and dignity are challenged.” She emphasized that single-sex spaces and services have long been recognized as crucial safeguards for women and girls, particularly regarding privacy, dignity, and protection from male violence.

“It is difficult to reconcile opposition to lawful single-sex services with repeated commitments to ending violence against women and girls,” Alsalem stated. She also mentioned that proportionate inquiries might sometimes be necessary to ensure compliance with the law.

Sources