My Take | Rights of all have to be respected following transgender decisions
In Britain, calm is required as the implications of a landmark legal ruling are worked out – and in Hong Kong an activist continues to seek clarity
A recent landmark ruling by Britain’s Supreme Court tackled an issue which may seem straightforward, but has become one of the most controversial in years: what is the legal definition of a woman?
The court’s finding that the meaning of the word, when used in Britain’s anti- discrimination law, is confined to biological gender – rather than one a transgender person has acquired – has far-reaching implications. And it has been deeply polarising.
Women’s rights campaigners celebrated a decision they believe is essential to preserve their single-sex spaces and guard against abuse by predatory men who now identify as women.
But members of the transgender community were devastated by the judgment which they fear will fuel discrimination and prevent them from leading lives in their acquired gender to the full.
The issue is a battleground in Britain’s “culture wars”. Many have welcomed the judgment, believing a trend towards acceptance of gender self-identification to have gone too far. Others are outraged by the decision.
Women’s rights campaigners who brought the court challenge have faced death threats and a torrent of online abuse. There have been protests and attacks on the integrity of the five judges. A Scottish lawmaker accused them of “bigotry, prejudice and hatred”.
There is a need for calm while the full implications are worked out. The judgment must be implemented, as far as possible, in a way that respects both the rights of women and those of the transgender community. It will not be easy.