LONDON, May 2, 2025 A coalition of fourteen national LGBTQ+ charities has declared a “genuine crisis” for trans people in the UK following a landmark Supreme Court ruling that redefines gender protections under British law.
In a fierce open letter to Prime Minister Keir Starmer, the organizations are demanding an urgent meeting to address the fallout from last month’s controversial decision. The ruling reinterprets the Equality Act 2010, defining the terms “woman” and “sex” to mean biological sex only a change that advocacy groups say erases trans identities from legal protection.
“This decision doesn’t just rewrite a law it rewrites people’s lives,” said a spokesperson for one of the signatory charities. “It strips dignity from trans individuals and rolls back decades of progress.”
Backed by new guidance from the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC), the ruling has restricted trans access to gendered public spaces, including restrooms, gyms, shelters, and medical facilities sparking national concern over discrimination, mental health, and personal safety.
The coalition warns that the decision opens the door to state-sanctioned exclusion, potentially emboldening transphobia across both public services and private institutions.
Prime Minister Starmer, whose administration has promised a platform of equality and inclusion, now faces growing demands for clarity and immediate action. The charities insist that “silence is complicity”, urging the government to publicly affirm the rights of trans people.
“This is not about politics,” the joint letter states. “This is about human rights, safety, and survival. We are calling on you to act.”
