Prime Minister Keir Starmer has reaffirmed his view that transgender women are not ‘women’ in the legal sense, following a recent ruling by the UK Supreme Court. In a statement released through his official spokesperson, the Prime Minister emphasized that, according to current legislation and his own understanding, ‘a woman is a female adult’. This stance aligns with previous statements made by Starmer, including remarks delivered during his time as leader of the opposition in March 2022 when he stated, “a woman is a female adult, and in addition to that trans women are women, and that is not just my view – that is actually the law.”
The Supreme Court’s ruling, delivered last week, has significantly clarified the definition of ‘woman’ under equality legislation. The court determined that biological sex remains the defining characteristic for legal purposes, specifically in relation to protected characteristics within the Equality Act 2010. This decision carries substantial implications, notably regarding access to single-sex spaces and services.
The Prime Minister’s spokesperson clarified that the ruling necessitates a distinction between ‘biological women’ and transgender women under current law. They stated that the court judgment makes clear that a person who was born male but identifies as female does not have the right to use spaces or services designated for women only. This includes restrooms, shelters, and other areas where single-sex designation is legally protected.
Throughout his political career, Keir Starmer has consistently articulated this position. In 2023, he addressed questions about transgender rights in interviews with *The Sunday Times* and BBC Radio 5 Live, emphasizing that for the vast majority of women, they ‘haven’t got a penis.’ He also affirmed Rosie Duffield’s assertion in April 2024 regarding the biological reality of a woman possessing a cervix – stating “Biologically, she of course is right about that.”
The Prime Minister declined to comment directly on whether he would use a transgender woman’s preferred pronouns, stating only that he expects all individuals to be treated with dignity and respect. He reiterated that Labour has consistently maintained the protection of single-sex spaces within law. He added that the Supreme Court’s ruling has brought “clarity” to this complex area of legislation. While acknowledging previous statements aligning more closely with a broader understanding of gender identity, Starmer’s spokesperson emphasized the consistency of the Labour government’s position on legal protections for women.
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