UPDATE 1-Britain sets out rules for single-sex spaces following landmark sex definition ruling

​Britain on Thursday published long-awaited guidance on applying equality law to ‌single-sex spaces following a landmark 2025 ruling on the legal definition of sex, a move likely to intensify debate over ‌transgender rights.

The guidance sets out when organisations can ‌lawfully exclude transgender people from women-only and men-only spaces - including toilets, changing rooms, hospital wards, refuges and sports - after the Supreme Court affirmed ⁠in ​April last ⁠year that "sex" refers to biological sex. That ruling means that a transgender ⁠woman is legally considered male, and a transgender man is ​considered female.

Women and equalities minister Bridget Phillipson said ⁠in a statement that the code of practice would help ensure "organisations ⁠across ​Great Britain have clear guidance regarding its implementation, protecting people's rights across our country." The guidance, prepared by ⁠the Equality and Human Rights Commission, has been laid before parliament ⁠for ⁠a 40-day scrutiny period. If there is no objection, it will replace the existing 2011 ‌code.