On Wednesday, the UK Supreme Court ruled that the legal definition of a woman should be based entirely on biological sex.

Five judges ruled unanimously that the terms ‘woman’ and ‘sex’ in the Equality Act 2010 referred to biological women only. It essentially means that, in the eyes of the law, holders of gender recognition certificates (GRC) are no longer legally seen as women.

It is a move that has been seen as controversial on either side of the debate, but it is one that could potentially further weaponise trans rights in the country and jeopardise any further progress. There are fears some will now use the ruling to further excel their hatred and campaigning against the trans, non-binary and intersex community.

Judges in the landmark case have stressed that the decision should not be seen as a victory of any side of the argument, but the reports of campaigners breaking into applause and collective song outside the courtroom would perhaps suggest otherwise.

As the LGBTQ reporter for the Manchester Evening News, I have been able to see day-in and day-out the people and organisations that work tirelessly across Greater Manchester and beyond to support, recognise and champion the trans and non-binary community.

The ruling decision earlier this week, however, still didn't come as much of a surprise to me. Whilst it is devastating in a number of ways, I think........

© Manchester Evening News