Liberty: High Court refused us permission for our case against the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) to proceed

Posted: 19th June 2025

As you may be aware, in a hearing on Friday 6 June, the High Court refused us permission for our case against the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) to proceed. We were incredibly disappointed by the High Court’s decision and so we urgently appealed.

We now have a date.  

Our appeal hearing has been scheduled for the week commencing 23 June 2025. We will know at this hearing whether we have permission to proceed with our case.

The EHRC is the UK’s equality watchdog. Its interim guidance follows a Supreme Court decision about the definition of the words ‘man’, ‘woman’ and ‘sex’ in the Equality Act 2010. We asked the EHRC to extend the consultation on the guidance to 12 weeks, the minimum that would be fair and lawful in these circumstances. The Commission refused, pushing ahead with just six weeks. On such a complex legal issue, where every respondent needs time – and perhaps support – to carefully prepare a considered response, less than 12 weeks is insufficient and does not comply with the law.

This consultation has life-changing implications for how trans people, as well as anyone who is perceived as not conforming to gender norms, access public services, education and social activities.

Standing up to power is difficult and expensive, and this appeal will likely come with new costs, so if you are able to, please consider donating to our crowdfunder. Any amount you can donate will help us push forward with this vital legal challenge.

Thank you for your continued support. We know this case matters to you, and we will send an update on any developments as soon as we can.  

Very best wishes,

Akiko Hart, Liberty Director