Ministers have a duty to tackle organisations which are determined to defy the Supreme Court’s ruling that the legal definition of a woman under equalities law is based on biological sex, according to a crusading MP who quit the Labour party.
Rosie Duffield, who has described how she was “hounded” over her views on gender in Sir Keir Starmer’s party, said ministers must show leadership.
She claimed many organisations “appear determined to obfuscate, equivocate or in some cases outright defy the Supreme Court’s judgement”.
Pressing for action, she said: “Government Ministers must lead from the top to ensure public bodies comply with the law: ultimately, this is their responsibility, not one where they can simply leave it to the Supreme Court or the Equality and Human Rights Commission.”
In April the Supreme Court ruled unanimously that under equality legislation a woman is defined by her biological sex.
Ms Duffield said: “The Supreme Court’s recent ruling that the definition of a woman refers to ‘a biological woman and biological sex’ was a victory for feminism. It is a vindication of the campaigners who refused to stay silent in the face of relentless threats and abuse, often at the cost of their own livelihoods.
“Yet the struggle for women’s sex-based rights is far from over.”
The Canterbury MP pushed for support for women who have come under fire during the debate, saying: “And what of the many women who have been censured; put through disciplinary procedures; no-platformed; or even fired for asserting what the Supreme Court has now confirmed is the law of the land? How many of them will receive apologies – or compensation?
“For too many of them, the battles to protect their basic rights are far from over. Radical positions on gender identity have become deeply embedded and it will be the work of years to rectify it.”
She made her comments in the foreword to a Policy Exchange report which details responses to the ruling.
Report author Lara Brown said: “The defence of sex-based rights does not end with a court ruling. It requires persistent scrutiny, open debate, and the courage to challenge ideological orthodoxy – wherever it may reside.”
A Conservative spokesman said: “The Supreme Court ruling was unequivocal – sex means biological sex. But it doesn’t seem that public bodies have got the message yet.
“At this rate, it appears only Kemi and the Conservatives really know what a woman is. It feels like we are the only ones standing up for women’s rights.”
Reform UK’s Sarah Pochin called for the Prime Minister to show greater leadership, saying: “Women in this country deserve to be protected from predatory men. Safe spaces for women are a must.
“When is our prime minister going to champion this issue and enforce this ruling?”
A UK Government spokesperson said: “This ruling brings clarity for women and service providers such as hospitals, refuges, and sports clubs. We expect all providers to uphold the law and follow the clarity that the Supreme Court ruling provides.
The Equality & Human Rights Commission has committed to seeking views from affected stakeholders for their updated Code of Practice.”
The consultation closes on June 30.
