RCN to offer ‘safe space’ to discuss Supreme Court ‘sex’ ruling

The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) is launching a series of sessions for members in response to the recent UK Supreme Court ruling on the legal definition of ‘sex’.

The landmark April judgment sparked widespread discussion and controversy across health and social care, with concerns being raised about how the decision could impact clinical practice, workplace culture and the rights of patients and staff.

The Supreme Court ruled that the Equality Act definition of a woman is based on biological sex and excludes transgender people.

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It requires healthcare services, public bodies, employers and sports organisations to review and update their policies to align with this definition.

Since the ruling, questions have been asked about the particular impact this would have on the LGBTQIA+ community.

Transgender advocacy groups have criticised the decision, saying it could limit access to single-sex spaces and could violate rights under the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR).

Beginning this month, the RCN will host a series of online and in-person forums designed to provide ‘a safe, inclusive space’ for members to express their views.

The sessions will focus on how the ruling could affect employment practices, patient care, and the protection of privacy and dignity in clinical settings.

Executive director of RCN England, Patricia Marquis, said the judgment had caused ‘upset, worry, confusion and concern’ and that the RCN ‘stands in support’ with its LGBTQIA+ members.

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‘We’ve heard from many that it’s led to lots of negativity towards trans people and some feel very unsafe,’ she said.

‘This is unacceptable, nobody should have to face discrimination and harassment. The RCN will continue to champion equality, inclusion and human rights across the profession.’

Ms Marquis assured that the sessions will be ‘carefully facilitated’ to ensure ‘informed and respectful conversation’.

Members attending the sessions will also be offered the opportunity to learn more about the Supreme Court’s decision, the RCN’s official response to the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) consultation, and to contribute to the organisation’s future guidance and advocacy efforts.

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Ending today, the EHRC had launched a consultation on updates it made to its Code of Practice for services, public functions and associations, following the Supreme Court’s judgment.

RCN sessions will be held between 1 July and 15 July online and in-person in London and Birmingham.