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Glasgow Pride bans political parties amid Supreme Court sex definition row

Thursday, 15 May 2025 12:23AM UTC

Following a landmark Supreme Court ruling defining 'woman' and 'sex' in biological terms, Glasgow Pride joins other UK events in banning political parties to counter divisive politics, sparking fierce debate on transgender rights and inclusivity within the LGBTQ+ community.

The recent decision to ban political parties from participating in Glasgow Pride reflects a growing trend among Pride events across the UK, following similar actions in Birmingham, Brighton, Manchester, and London. This measure has emerged in the wake of a significant ruling by the UK Supreme Court, which clarified that the terms "woman" and "sex" in the Equality Act 2010 refer exclusively to biological definitions. The implications of this ruling stir substantial debate within the LGBTQ+ community and beyond.

The Supreme Court's judgement has reignited discussions about the balance between sex-based rights and the protection of gender identity. The Court's explicit definitions have raised concerns about the legal status of transgender individuals in various settings, notably regarding their access to single-sex spaces such as shelters and sports. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is reportedly preparing amendments to the Equality Act that would formally redefine ‘sex’ to biological sex, a move intended to bolster protections for women’s sports and single-sex spaces. Critics argue these amendments could marginalise transgender individuals further, exacerbating existing divides within the LGBTQ+ community.

Scottish politician Patrick Harvie has openly expressed his disappointment with the Supreme Court ruling, suggesting that it reflects a broader betrayal of human rights by political parties. Speaking passionately about his commitment to LGBTQ+ rights, Harvie stated, “As both a politician and someone who has been out since before my first election and has never shied away from standing up to prejudice, I feel ashamed of how politics in this country is letting down my own community.” His sentiments resonate with many activists who feel that recent political shifts have done a disservice to marginalised groups, particularly transgender individuals.

In Northern Ireland, a parallel movement has emerged as multiple Pride events have also decided to exclude political parties that support legislative measures against puberty blockers for transgender youth. This decision underscores a growing resistance within the LGBTQ+ community against political entities perceived to undermine their rights. The concern surrounding access to puberty blockers reflects a broader struggle for healthcare rights for transgender minors, further complicating the intersection of politics and individual rights.

The debates around these policies are multifaceted, touching on deeply personal issues surrounding identity, rights, and the visibility of transgender issues within societal norms. LGBTQ+ organisations continue to express their apprehensions about the erosion of rights under the guise of protecting single-sex spaces, suggesting that such measures may lead to increased discrimination rather than fostering inclusivity.

As these discussions unfold, organizers of Pride events feel compelled to take a stand against the political rhetoric that would exclude or marginalise sections of their community. This ban at Glasgow Pride, while emblematic of a broader trend, raises questions about the future of political engagement at these events and the potential for a united front within the LGBTQ+ community. As Glasgow Pride embarks on this new path, it represents both a reaction to current political climates and an assertion of the need for solidarity within the diverse fabric of the community.

The evolving landscape of LGBTQ+ rights in the UK presents a complex scenario wherein the fight for inclusivity is sometimes met with opposing narratives in legal and political realms. As Pride events navigate these challenges, they will likely continue to reflect the tensions and triumphs of an ever-evolving struggle for equal rights and representation.

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Source: Noah Wire Services

More on this

https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/25163275.poll-political-parties-banned-glasgow-pride/?ref=rss - Please view link - unable to able to access data
https://www.theguardian.com/law/2023/apr/05/what-would-changing-the-equality-act-mean-for-trans-people-and-single-sex-spaces - This article discusses the UK government's consideration of amending the Equality Act 2010 to redefine 'sex' as biological sex. The proposed change aims to clarify the legal standing of single-sex spaces and events, potentially allowing for the exclusion of transgender individuals from such areas. The piece explores the implications of this amendment for transgender rights and the broader LGBTQ+ community, highlighting the ongoing debate over the balance between sex-based rights and gender identity protections.
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2024/03/16/rishi-sunak-amend-equality-act-single-sex-spaces-sport/ - In this article, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is reported to be preparing to amend the Equality Act 2010 to protect single-sex spaces and women's sports. The proposed amendment would define 'sex' as biological sex, aiming to prevent transgender women from accessing women-only spaces and participating in female sports events. The piece details the government's considerations and the potential impact on transgender rights and single-sex spaces.
https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2025/04/britain-rules-woman-supreme-court/682511/?utm_source=apple_news - This article covers the UK Supreme Court's ruling that the terms 'woman' and 'sex' in the Equality Act 2010 refer to biological sex. The decision clarifies the legal distinction between sex and gender identity, particularly concerning women-only spaces like shelters and prisons. The piece also discusses the broader societal and political implications of the ruling, including reactions from various political leaders and LGBTQ+ organizations.
https://www.gscene.com/news/pride/multiple-pride-events-across-northern-ireland-ban-political-parties-that-support-ban-on-puberty-blockers-for-trans-children/ - This article reports on multiple Pride events in Northern Ireland that have decided to ban political parties supporting a ban on the sale or supply of puberty blockers to under-18s. The decision follows a directive from the UK government to introduce an indefinite ban on puberty blockers for trans youth. The piece includes statements from Pride organizers and political figures expressing their positions on the matter.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leeds_Pride - This Wikipedia page provides an overview of Leeds Pride, an annual LGBTQ+ event in Leeds, England. It details the history, themes, and controversies associated with the event, including a 2024 policy change that led to the banning of political parties from the parade. The page also covers the event's growth over the years and its significance within the LGBTQ+ community.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/For_Women_Scotland_Ltd_v_The_Scottish_Ministers - This Wikipedia page outlines the case of For Women Scotland Ltd v The Scottish Ministers, where the UK Supreme Court ruled that the terms 'man', 'woman', and 'sex' in the Equality Act 2010 refer to biological sex. The page discusses the background of the case, the court's judgment, and the reactions from various political and social groups, highlighting the implications for transgender rights and single-sex spaces in the UK.

Noah Fact Check Pro

The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may warrant further investigation.

Freshness check

Score: 8

Notes: The narrative discusses recent developments including a UK Supreme Court ruling and political shifts as of early-to-mid 2025. The referenced events, such as proposed amendments by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, are timely, indicating current relevance. No signs of recycled or outdated content are evident, though some context builds on ongoing debates from previous years. The discussion of bans at multiple UK Pride events aligns with recent news from early 2025, supporting freshness.

Quotes check

Score: 9

Notes: The key direct quote from Scottish politician Patrick Harvie is clearly attributed and appears original to this narrative with no earlier found citations online prior to this publication. This suggests it may be a first-published statement or exclusive comment, increasing credibility. The quote is consistent with known public positions Harvie has taken in the past.

Source reliability

Score: 7

Notes: The narrative originates from a recognised Scottish news outlet with a history of reporting on political and social issues in Scotland and the UK. While the publication is reputable, it is not among the global top-tier outlets like BBC or Reuters, which slightly moderates the reliability score. The article cross-references credible mainstream reporting on the Supreme Court ruling and political developments.

Plausability check

Score: 8

Notes: The claims about the Supreme Court ruling, political reactions, legislative amendments, and Pride event bans are plausible and align with known contemporary UK political and social trends. No extraordinary claims are made, and the narrative is consistent with ongoing debates on gender identity, LGBTQ+ rights, and single-sex spaces. Some details, such as precise parliamentary amendments, may evolve but are currently reported by multiple credible outlets.

Overall assessment

Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS

Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH

Summary: The content presents up-to-date and plausible information on recent UK legal and social developments related to LGBTQ+ rights and political participation in Pride events. The direct quote from Patrick Harvie is likely original, and the publication is reasonably reliable. The narrative aligns with widely reported facts, leading to a confident overall assessment of accuracy and relevance.

Glasgow Pride
LGBTQ+ rights
Equality Act
Supreme Court ruling
Transgender issues