Nicola Sturgeon has warned that transgender people may soon face “almost unliveable” lives after a major legal ruling. The former first minister spoke for the first time about the Supreme Court’s decision on the legal definition of a woman. Sturgeon also raised concerns about the Equality and Human Rights Commission’s (EHRC) interim guidance following the ruling.
The Supreme Court ruled last month that sex, under equality law, is defined by biological sex. Sturgeon acknowledged the court’s authority but stressed the need to handle the decision carefully in practice. According to her, how the ruling is implemented will determine its impact on transgender people.
The case followed years of legal battles that began in 2018, when Sturgeon still led the government. Since the ruling, the EHRC has issued interim guidance affecting the use of single-sex spaces. The guidance suggests that trans women should not use women’s facilities in places like hospitals, shops, and restaurants.
Speaking at the Scottish Parliament, Sturgeon expressed concern over the EHRC’s position. She said, “I would be very concerned if that interim guidance became the final guidance.” Sturgeon fears the approach could push transgender people into dangerous and unmanageable situations. She added, “I hope that’s not the case because I think that potentially makes the lives of trans people almost unliveable.”
A long-time supporter of transgender rights, Sturgeon championed gender recognition reforms in Scotland. The reforms aimed to make it easier for people to change their legally recognised sex. However, the UK government blocked the proposed changes, fueling further political controversy.
When asked whether she should apologise to critics of the gender reforms, Sturgeon stood firm. She stressed that no one can question the court’s authority, but she highlighted the importance of implementation. Sturgeon believes the government must find a balance between protecting women and supporting transgender people.
She repeated that transgender people deserve dignity, safety, and respect in all areas of life. She added that the government must ensure legal decisions do not make transgender people’s lives unliveable. As debates continue, the challenge remains how to protect rights while maintaining fairness.
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