17/04/2025
Equality Commission Statement on Supreme Court Ruling
An Equality Commission spokesperson said:
“This is a detailed and important judgment. While the judgment is not directly concerned with the relationship between the Gender Recognition Act 2004 and our corresponding equality law, the Sex Discrimination (NI) Order 1976 ('SDO'), our initial view is that the judgment is likely to be deemed by our industrial tribunals and courts to be highly persuasive and, consequently, it is likely to be followed in cases where similar issues arise.
“We will work at pace to review our guidance, in light of the judgment, and make any amendments where necessary. This will support employers, service providers and public bodies to help them understand their duties under the Sex Discrimination Order and to put them into practice. We can also provide advice to individuals. Ultimately it will be for our industrial tribunals and courts to determine whether unlawful discrimination has occurred in any particular case.
“It is important to remember that everyone has rights under equality law not to be harassed or discriminated in their employment or when they are accessing many services and to be treated with respect as they go about their lives.”
ENDS