BMA Condemns Supreme Court’s ‘Scientifically Illiterate’ Ruling on Transgender Rights

The British Medical Association's (BMA) resident doctors have condemned the UK Supreme Court's recent ruling that defines the legal term 'woman' in the Equality Act as referring only to biological women, thereby excluding transgender women. The doctors passed a motion labeling the decision as 'scientifically illiterate' and 'biologically nonsensical,' arguing that the binary divide between sex and gender lacks scientific and medical basis and is harmful to trans, non-binary, and intersex individuals. The BMA criticized the court for not consulting relevant experts or stakeholders and warned the ruling could cause real-world harm, including potentially obstructing new NHS guidance on single-sex spaces. The decision has sparked protests and strong criticism from LGBTQ+ groups, with concerns raised about its implications, such as changes in police procedures for trans women in custody. While the ruling has been welcomed by some politicians and gender-critical campaigners as providing legal clarity, the BMA and advocacy organizations argue it will negatively impact the rights and dignity of transgender people. The wider BMA's official position will be decided at an upcoming annual meeting.