For Women Scotland has launched fresh legal action against Scottish ministers over transgender policies they claim contradict a landmark Supreme Court ruling. The campaign group is seeking to quash government guidance on schools and prisons at the Court of Session.
The legal challenge follows the group's victory at the UK Supreme Court in April 2025, which ruled that "woman" and "sex" in the Equality Act 2010 refer to biological woman and biological sex. For Women Scotland argues that current Scottish Government policies remain "in clear breach of the law".
Policy contradictions challenged
The schools guidance states that young people should "where possible, are able to use the facilities they feel most comfortable with" regarding single-sex toilets. The group contends this contradicts the Supreme Court's biological definition ruling.
Prison guidance allowing transgender women into the women's estate under certain risk assessment criteria also faces challenge. The policy permits admission if individuals don't meet violence against women criteria and pose no unacceptable risk to other prisoners.
Legal timeline and demands
Scottish ministers have 21 days to respond to the summons before the case proceeds to court. For Women Scotland is requesting the court declare both policies unlawful and have them quashed entirely.
The group said: "Nothing has persuaded the government to take action and both policies remain stubbornly in place, to the detriment of vulnerable women and girls, leaving us little choice but to initiate further legal action." They are also seeking suspension of both policies in the meantime.
Government response and broader context
A Scottish Government spokesperson said: "It would be inappropriate to comment on live court proceedings." The legal action represents a continuation of For Women Scotland's broader campaign that previously challenged 50% female representation requirements on public boards.
The Supreme Court ruling was hailed by supporters as a "watershed for women" and marked the conclusion of a series of legal challenges over gender definitions in Scottish legislation.
Sources used: "PA Media", "Daily Record" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
