Overview
- Sex Matters argues the City’s rules allowing entry by self-identified gender unlawfully disadvantage women by compromising privacy, dignity and safety under equality law.
- The City of London opposes the case as premature, saying it has maintained the status quo while reviewing extensive public feedback and preparing a report due in January.
- Mrs Justice Lieven concluded the permission hearing and is expected to rule in January on whether the challenge can go to a full hearing.
- Trans-inclusive access has been in place since at least 2019, with interim signs this summer stating the ladies’ pond welcomes women and those who identify as women and the men’s pond welcomes men and trans men.
- Counsel for Sex Matters cited the Supreme Court’s April ruling that the Equality Act’s references to men and women mean biological sex, while the City noted potential gender reassignment discrimination and earlier EHRC guidance now viewed as mistaken.