Following the Supreme Court’s decision today in the case of For Women Scotland v Scottish Ministers, Amnesty International UK Chief Executive Sacha Deshmukh said, 

“The outcome of today’s judgment is clearly disappointing. It is a long and complex judgment, and we will take time to analyse its full implications.  

“There are potentially concerning consequences for trans people, but it is important to stress that the court has been clear that trans people are protected under the Equality Act against discrimination and harassment. 

“The ruling does not change the protection trans people are afforded under the protected characteristic of ‘gender reassignment’, as well as other provisions under the Equality Act. 

“Amnesty intervened in this case to remind the court that legal gender recognition is essential for trans people to enjoy the full spectrum of rights each of us is entitled to, including safety, health and family life. 

“The Supreme Court itself today made clear that the vilification of a marginalised minority group is absolutely wrong. 

“All public authorities in the UK need to unequivocally enforce protections for trans people against discrimination and harassment.”