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“For Women Scotland” Court Ruling: First Anniversary — [Graham Stringer in the Chair]

14 April 2026

Lead MP

Carla Lockhart
Upper Bann
DUP

Responding Minister

Olivia Bailey

Tags

EmploymentWomen & Equalities
Word Count: 12883
Other Contributors: 11

At a Glance

Carla Lockhart raised concerns about “for women scotland” court ruling: first anniversary — [graham stringer in the chair] in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key Requests to Government:

Lockhart called on the Government to lay the EHRC's updated code of practice before Parliament, provide guidance for workplaces ensuring single-sex spaces are reserved for people of the same biological sex, and issue NHS-specific guidance on single-sex spaces. She urged immediate action to protect women's rights.

How the Debate Unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:

Lead Contributor

Upper Bann
Opened the debate
Carla Lockhart highlighted the confusion and misapplication of the For Women Scotland ruling in workplaces, hospitals, and sports centres. She cited numerous incidents where biological men are being prioritised over women's rights in female-only spaces despite the legal clarity provided by the ruling. She expressed deep concern for the personal toll on individuals like Jennifer Melle and the Darlington nurses who have faced disciplinary actions for upholding women's rights.

Government Response

Olivia Bailey
Government Response
It is a real honour to serve under your chairship, Mr Stringer. First, I thank the hon. Member for Upper Bann (Carla Lockhart) for securing this important debate. The Supreme Court ruled that the terms man, woman and sex in the Equality Act 2010 refer to biological sex, regardless of gender recognition certificates. This Government upholds protections for separate and single-sex spaces based on biological sex while ensuring trans people's rights under the law are protected. We will lay the code as soon as possible after the local elections, aiming for May. All Government Departments and their arm's length bodies have been carefully reviewing the ruling to ensure policies and guidance are legally compliant. The Government remains committed to upholding women's rights, including halving violence against women in a decade and delivering a new women's health strategy while protecting single-sex spaces and implementing the Supreme Court ruling.
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About Westminster Hall Debates

Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.