The UK’s Supreme Court has ruled that “man”, “woman” and “sex” in the Equality Act 2010 refer to sex, not self-ID or paperwork (gender-recognition certificates). This agreed with our legal interpretation. We have published new guidance and are in the process of updating our publications to reflect the judgment. We are also working to provide answers to the questions we're hearing from supporters and the media. We will publish these as soon as possible.

Jon Pike

Professor of philosophy

Jon is a professor of philosophy at the Open University and an expert in the philosophy of sport. He publishes frequently on sport ethics and has been a consultant to the World Anti-Doping Agency, UK Anti-Doping, World Rugby and the International Olympic Committee.

“Sex matters in sport, because of the sex-based physiological differences that mean women would lose, almost all the time, in almost all unisex competitive sport. In order to have fair competition, it’s essential to maintain a separate category for those who lack the advantages of androgenisation – women and girls. I’m in favour of fairness in sport, and so in maintaining the integrity of women’s sport. As in sport, so in many other social contexts: often (but, of course, not always) sexed bodies matter. When they do, this must be recognised in our laws, rules, and social arrangements.”