The UK Supreme Court’s recent ruling on the definitions of “women” and “sex” has deepened divisions between the Green Party’s co-leaders.
Adrian Ramsay faced criticism this week for dodging a direct answer when asked if he believes trans women are women, following the Supreme Court’s decision that legally, “women” refers to “biological women” and “sex” to “biological sex.”
The verdict, issued last week, has sparked alarm among LGBTQ+ groups, with concerns it could erode trans people’s access to single-sex spaces and essential rights. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer compounded worries by indicating that he no longer considers trans women to be women under the law.
Green Leaders Split on Trans Rights
On Wednesday, 23 April, Ramsay appeared on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, where he stated the ruling offered “some clarity in terms of the Equality Act.” However, when pressed on whether trans women are women, Ramsay deflected:
“The important thing here is not to get hung up in divisions, in definitions,” he said. “Last week’s ruling has highlighted the potential for some services to be provided based on sex. The question is how do we ensure that both women and trans people have access to the services they need, in a way that meets their needs and preserves their dignity.”
Ramsay added that Green Party members who hold anti-trans views should not be expelled, insisting they have “the right to express that view.”
This apparent hesitation marks a sharp contrast with fellow co-leader Carla Denyer, who has been vocal in her support for the trans community.
In the House of Commons on the same day, Denyer called on Equalities Minister Bridget Phillipson to “make a commitment to uphold trans people’s fundamental rights, including the right to privacy.”
Denyer later wrote on X: “All of us, whether we’re trans or not, deserve dignity and respect, and the freedom to go about our daily lives without fear of abuse or harassment. [The government] had urgent [questions] to answer about how it will ensure those rights for trans people. Sadly, I didn’t get those answers yesterday.”
Calls for Change Within the Green Party
The divide between Ramsay and Denyer has reignited internal tensions within the Green Party, which has a history of conflict over trans rights.
Commenting on Bluesky, sociologist and influencer Natacha Kennedy stated the party “urgently needs new leadership,” while others called for the expulsion of members accused of transphobia.
Meanwhile, trans journalist India Willoughby expressed disappointment at Ramsay’s stance, writing: “Really disappointed, Carla, at this time in history, when we need friends, that Green co-leaders can’t unambiguously say trans women are women.”
