UK Supreme Court’s clarification of the law regarding same-sex spaces.

Dear Members of the Scottish Government,

We are The Fantastic Lesbians, and we are calling on the Scottish Government to fully implement and uphold the UK Supreme Court’s clarification of the law regarding same-sex spaces.

Lesbians need spaces that are explicitly and meaningfully for lesbians: spaces where same-sex attracted women can meet, socialise, organise, and support one another. These spaces are a vital part of community life and exist because our shared experiences matter.

The erosion or denial of lesbian same-sex spaces has real consequences. It affects our ability to build community, maintain social connection, and protect our mental wellbeing. It also raises serious human rights and equality concerns. A society that cannot recognise the right of lesbians to gather as lesbians is a society that is failing to respect us as a distinct group under the law.

The Supreme Court has now provided legal clarity. That clarity must be reflected in policy, guidance, and practice across Scotland’s public bodies and institutions. Rights that exist only on paper are not enough.
We are also concerned that there are currently no openly lesbian representatives in the Scottish Parliament. In the absence of direct lesbian representation within Parliament itself, it is especially important that the Scottish Government listens carefully to lesbian voices and organisations outside Parliament when developing policy that affects us directly.

We are therefore asking the Scottish Government to:
Implement the Supreme Court’s clarification consistently across all public services and sectors;
Protect the lawful existence of lesbian same-sex spaces;
Ensure that lesbians are consulted on policies that directly affect our rights and communities; and
Provide clear guidance so organisations can uphold the law confidently and fairly.

This is not about hostility towards anyone else. It is about recognising that lesbians, like other protected groups, have legitimate rights to association, community, and boundaries within the framework of equality law.

We ask the Scottish Government to show leadership, uphold the law, and respect the rights and dignity of lesbians.
Yours sincerely,
FL