Trans women will not be permitted to take part in the main sessions of Labour’s Women’s Conference next year, following a legal review prompted by the Supreme Court’s April ruling that a woman is defined by biological sex under equality law.
Under the new rules, trans women will be excluded from formal proceedings, including speeches in the main hall and policy debates.
However, they may attend fringe events, which will remain open to all regardless of sex. The party considers this structure the least restrictive option that still meets legal requirements.
Labour cancelled the 2025 Women’s Conference after receiving legal advice in the wake of the Supreme Court decision. Before the ruling, the party allowed self-identification, enabling trans women to attend the conference and participate in measures such as all-women shortlists.
A party spokesperson said Labour carried out a comprehensive legal review before confirming the 2026 conference would proceed with revised attendance rules.
They emphasised the party’s commitment to improving women’s representation while complying with the law.
The government is still considering a new code of practice to guide public bodies on applying the Equality Act after the ruling. The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has already redrafted and submitted the guidance, but ministers have yet to sign off.
Equalities minister Bridget Phillipson has said she intends to take the time needed to get it right.
Outgoing EHRC chair Baroness Falkner argued the delay has created a grey zone around single-sex spaces, with organisations applying the ruling inconsistently. She suggested political concerns within government may be contributing to the holdup.
Labour’s decision follows similar moves by other major organisations. Earlier this week, the Women’s Institute said it would no longer offer membership to transgender women, while Girlguiding announced that trans girls will no longer be allowed to join its groups.
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