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Sex, Equality and the Law: Cutting Through the Noise
Hosted by Liberal Voice for Women
[Attend in person, no need to be attending LibDem Spring Conference, or join us on line (link to be sent nearer the date)]
Last year, the Supreme Court’s ruling in For Women Scotland changed the legal landscape. It provided a definitive answer to a question that has sparked years of heated debate: in the eyes of the Equality Act, what is a ‘woman’?
The ruling was clear: 'woman', 'man' and 'sex' refer to biological reality, not a self-declared identity or a certificate. Yet, across workplaces, the public sector and within our own local authorities, the "flannelling" continues. Policy-makers are still hesitating, and many organisations are operating under guidance that is now obsolete and legally incorrect.
Why This Fringe Matters
As Liberals, we pride ourselves on the rule of law and the protection of hard-won rights. This ruling has important implications for women’s rights including access to single-sex spaces, fairness in sports, freedom of association and women’s opportunities.
An Expert Panel
Susan Smith is one of three directors of For Women Scotland. Susan will discuss the history and context of this case from within Scotland, what the situation is now in Scotland, and the new legal action they have brought against the Scottish Government and its prisons guidance following the ruling.
Maya Forstater is the CEO of Sex Matters, a charity that promotes human rights as they relate to sex, and an intervenor in the Supreme Court case. Maya will speak about the clarity the ruling now provides to organisations, the endorsement of this clarity by a recent High Court case, and what councils and organisations should be doing – arguing against further delay.
Akua Reindorf KC is a barrister at Cloisters Chambers, who until recently was a Commissioner with the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC). Akua will be speaking in a personal capacity. Given the misinformation about the Supreme Court ruling and the EHRC guidance, Akua will be cutting through the noise with a myth-busting session on what the law says and what it does not, including discussing crucial protections for lesbian groups and freedom of association.
At Liberal Voice for Women, we believe in free speech, rigorous debate, and the courage to face complex issues head-on.
Join us to find out what really happened in the Supreme Court and what the "new normal" looks like for sex and equality.
Interactive Session: The floor will be open for a live Q&A following the speeches. Whether you are in the room or joining us online, bring your questions to put to our expert panel.