Widespread protests are set to take place across the UK this weekend in response to the Supreme Court’s recent ruling that excludes trans women from the legal definition of ‘woman’ under the Equality Act 2010.
The decision, delivered on Wednesday (16 April), followed a case brought by gender-critical campaign group For Women Scotland against the Scottish Government. In its unanimous judgment, the Supreme Court determined that the term ‘sex’, as defined in the Equality Act, refers strictly to biological sex.
This landmark ruling is expected to have far-reaching implications for the trans and non-binary community, particularly in how public institutions and organisations interpret inclusion policies and access to single-sex spaces.
Already, the British Transport Police (BTP) have announced a significant policy change: trans women in custody will now be subject to strip searches conducted by male, rather than female, officers.
The ruling has sparked swift and widespread condemnation from LGBTQ+ advocates. Stonewall CEO Simon Black commented, “This ruling will be incredibly worrying for the trans community.”
In response, nearly 30 protests have been organised across the UK during the Easter weekend, from Thursday 18 April to Sunday 21 April. Demonstrations are planned in towns and cities from Orkney to Plymouth, reflecting growing public outrage and support for trans rights.
Key protest locations and times:
- London: A protest organised by What The Trans?! will take place on Saturday, 19 April at 1pm in Parliament Square. Participants will gather at the Boadicea and Her Daughters statue. The organisers are urging attendees to “show up and show our love for trans lives.”
- Cardiff: A march for trans liberation is scheduled for Monday, 21 April at 1pm, meeting at the Aneurin Bevan statue on Queen Street.
- Glasgow: Cabaret Against The Hate Speech will host a colourful protest in George Square on Saturday, 19 April from 2:30pm to 5pm. The event encourages attendees to wear pink, white and blue, and invites them to “sing, dance and express yourself”.
- Nottingham: Protesters will gather at the Brian Clough statue on Sunday, 20 April.
- Liverpool: A rally is set for Saturday, 19 April at 1pm outside Liverpool Crown Court at the Queen Victoria monument.
- Blackpool: Demonstrators will meet at the Comedy Carpet on Sunday, 20 April at 2:30pm.
- Aberdeen: A protest is planned for 3pm at Marischal College on Sunday, 20 April.
- Sheffield: A gathering will take place from midday to 1pm outside Sheffield City Hall on Sunday, 20 April.
These protests are expected to draw significant attendance, with many participants using the events to call for the protection and recognition of trans rights in the wake of what advocates describe as a regressive legal precedent.
