On 1 November 2025, Women’s-rights activists marched through central London calling for the UK Government to immediately apply the Supreme Court’s landmark decision affirming that “woman,” “man,” and “sex” in the Equality Act 2010 refer to biological sex at birth.
A poster by the organisers, @acts_grassroots, stated: “The Supreme Court ruling should be implemented in full, without delay, across all government departments, services, and policies.”
The march, part of a nationwide day of action marking 199 days since the ruling, drew campaigners from across Britain who said that despite the court’s clear finding, public institutions have failed to implement the law. Protesters assembled in Parliament Square before moving along Embankment, holding banners reading “Fairness following the Law” and “Women’s Rights are Human Rights”.
A clear ruling, delayed action
The Supreme Court’s judgment earlier this year confirmed that legal references to sex in the Equality Act are biological, meaning single-sex services, sports, and spaces may lawfully exclude members of the opposite sex regardless of gender identity. Activists argue that this clarification is vital to ensure the safety, privacy, and fairness of women’s-only facilities.
Maya Forstater and Fiona McAnena of the group Sex Matters told GB News that government inaction had left schools, employers, and service providers uncertain about how to apply the law.
“We’ve been waiting seven months for guidance,” said Forstater. “The Equality and Human Rights Commission has finished its work, and ministers just need to lay it before Parliament. Everyone needs to understand the law.”
McAnena added:
“We need some leadership because the law is the law, they don’t actually need to wait for this guidance. The Supreme Court made a ruling and everyone understand — if something is for one sex, that’s based on how you’re born.”
Safety, dignity, and fairness at stake
Speakers at the rally emphasised that the ruling is not about discrimination but about protecting women’s rights in spaces where privacy and safety matter — such as changing rooms, refuges, and sport.
“Sometimes you need single-sex spaces,” McAnena said. “No man should be in a women’s space, sport, or prison. Authorities can act on that, they don’t need to wait any longer.”
Peaceful protest met with limited disruption
GB News reporters on the ground described the women’s march as peaceful and orderly, while a small counter-protest by trans-rights activists nearby resulted in at least one arrest following a minor scuffle with police.
The network also cited online posts from some trans-activist accounts urging participants to “bring a mask and bring your rage,” highlighting the contrast in tone between the groups.
A call for clarity and leadership
Campaigners across Britain — including events in Edinburgh, Cardiff, and London — echoed a single message: the Supreme Court ruling has clarified the law, and now it must be applied.
Women’s-rights groups say they will continue to campaign until government departments, local councils, and national institutions implement policies that reflect the ruling and restore confidence in the protection of single-sex spaces for reasons of safety, dignity, and fairness.
Photo Gallery
Some great photos from the march, taken by amazing women in the UK and shared from X, to highlight the ongoing fight for women’s rights.
