Thousands of trans and non-binary people thronged Parliament Square, alongside families and supporters on Saturday to protest the Supreme Court ruling that recognised only biological and not scientific women.
The British court on Wednesday ruled that the definition of a woman under the country’s equality law refers to biological sex.
According to the Supreme Court, transgender women do not fall within the legal definition of women under the country’s equality legislation.
The protesters waved baby blue, white and pink flags to demonstrate their anger at the judges’ ruling.
“It’s one hell of a turnout and there is a really strong sense of unity and solidarity,” said Jamie Strudwick, one of the organisers, according to the Guardian UK.
“I think it’s impossible to compare it – it’s like nothing I’ve ever seen before.”
Last Wednesday, the UK apex court ruled that when the Equality Act 2010 referred to women, it referred only to biological sex and did not include transgender women who hold a gender recognition certificate, GRC.
The judgment was celebrated by groups including For Women Scotland, a gender-critical campaign group backed by JK Rowling, which says that women’s safety is threatened by allowing transgender women into single-sex spaces.
In his judgment, Lord Hodge said that trans people were still protected from discrimination and harassment under the Equality Act.
But some trans people say they have felt confusion, fear and anger, with many believing they will find it harder to challenge unfair treatment and receive support from authorities that should be helping them.
