As you may have seen in the news, on 16 April 2025, the UK Supreme Court delivered a landmark ruling confirming that the legal definition of a woman is based on biological sex. The Court also reaffirmed that transgender individuals remain protected under existing anti-discrimination laws.

Since the ruling last week, we have been actively seeking further clarification from relevant sector bodies, including ukactive, to better understand the full scope and implications of this decision for our members, as well as the anticipated timeline for its implementation. Sport England has also confirmed that it is reviewing the implications for grassroots sports and clubs.

Importantly, we were also waiting for a response from the UK Government to this ruling, which was released today, following the Easter break. Commenting publicly for the first time this morning (22 April), Sir Keir Starmer said he welcomed the Supreme Court’s ruling on the legal definition of a woman, stating that the judgment has given “much needed clarity” to women and service providers.

While we now await further guidance on how public leisure services may need to adjust their policies in light of this judgment and the Prime Minister’s affirmation today, we encourage all members to continue upholding the principles of dignity and respect for all individuals, in accordance with the rights and protections set out in the Equality Act 2010.

Although STA is not a regulatory body and does not directly operate leisure facilities, we follow sector-leading guidance, including ukactive’s Guidance for Front Line Staff to Assist Trans People to Access Leisure Facilities and the Equality and Human Rights Commission’s publication Separate and Single-Sex Service Providers: A Guide on the Equality Act Sex and Gender Reassignment Provisions. These documents continue to inform our approach in supporting members to deliver inclusive, respectful, and legally compliant services.

STA remains committed to keeping members informed with timely updates on this sensitive and important topic, to ensure you are fully supported in meeting the needs of your workforce and patrons.