79 m. ago The supreme court has carefully ringfenced protections for women. That’s all we wanted | Sonia Sodha

Last week’s ruling clarified the legal safeguards of the Equality Act. However, it was a travesty that the battle needed to be fought at allMiddle-aged women are expected to fade into the background, to be apologetic for their existence, to quietly accept their lot. They’re not supposed to stick up for themselves, to enforce their boundaries, to say no. As a woman, these societal expectations have been drummed into me from day one. But still. The swell of anger and disgust that rose in response to the supreme court judgment last week that made clear women’s rights are not for dismantling – rights already won, that were supposed to be ours all along – has taken my breath away.I was in court last Wednesday to hear Lord Hodge confirm that the Equality Act’s legal protections that were always intended for women are, indeed, reserved for women. He reiterated that trans people continue to have the same robust legal protections against discrimination and harassment as any other protected g...

Events

1 hour ago The Observer view on Equality Act ruling: A dignified compromise that respects the rights of everyone | Editorial

The supreme court judgment gives protections to women at the same level as other groupsThe meaning of “woman” and “female” in the Equality Act has become one of the most contested questions of recent years. Last week the supreme court settled it, in a landmark legal judgment that affirms the rights of women to the same level of legal protection afforded to other groups.The Equality Act protects people against discrimination on the basis of nine protected characteristics, including their sex, race, sexual orientation and gender reassignment. The question at stake was whether “sex” means someone’s biological sex, or their “certificated sex”; in other words, should those who are male but who have a gender recognition certificate (GRC) be treated as a woman under equalities law? Continue reading...

Politics

2 h. ago Why is 'sorry' still the hardest word for politicians proved so hopelessly wrong on gender ideology?

The women who endured years of abuse, threats, sackings and even assaults for arguing that men cannot magically become women deserve apologies

Politics

2 h. ago Make Christianity cool again: Why Gen Z is flocking to church

As a new report suggests that the number of young churchgoers has quadrupled, Helen Coffey investigates this potential UK spiritual revival – and asks why the next generation is more likely to be keeping the faith

Politics

3 h. ago China’s rare earths controls prompt fears of auto shortages and shutdowns

Traders and executives warn of limited inventories and a risk of disruption to automotive production

Events

3 h. ago 'I had cancer scare and was told I couldn't fall pregnant but then I made one change that worked'

EXCLUSIVE: Endocrine-disrupting chemicals are a hot topic right now, linked to declining fertility rates and the increasing incidence of hormone-sensitive cancers, as one woman knows well

Politics

3 h. ago Family of murdered Claire Inglis call for new laws to stop serial abusers released on bail

Claire Inglis' parents want to see serial abusers banned from being bailed to the house of a woman.

Society

5 h. ago Thousands rally in London in support of trans rights after British ruling on gender

Thousands rally in London in support of trans rights after British ruling on gender  Los Angeles Times

Politics

5 h. ago Mum with ovarian cancer found community in female rugby club

Ruth initially just felt a bit of pain in her lower tummy and thought there was a lump on her right side

Politics

6 h. ago 'I couldn't wear bracelets when we were together. They broke when he held me down'

Chantelle Holloway has bravely decided to share her experience to raise awareness of domestic abuse following the conviction of her former partner Declan Slocombe

Politics

6 h. ago China are eavesdropping on UK politicians by bugging Whitehall pubs, hotels... and even benches in St James's Park, say spy chiefs

Amid mounting fears about the level of Beijing's intelligence activity in the UK, officials holding sensitive positions in Westminster have been warned about 'hotspots' to avoid in London.

Politics

7 h. ago D'oh! New Tory blunder as 'secret papers on policy discussions and strategic planning accidentally emailed to Labour aide'

Labour sources said they have been privy to policy discussions by Mrs Badenoch's inner circle because a Commons researcher for one of the party's MPs was cc-ed on an email chain.

Events

7 h. ago Final proof that party I once loved is hopelessly out of touch, writes PROFESSOR JO PHOENIX

I could see then that, on the issue of trans rights, my party had lost the plot. It had veered so wildly from what I felt was right - and frankly what the vast majority of the public feels is right.

Society

7 h. ago MAIL ON SUNDAY COMMENT: Zealots will never admit they're wrong

Fanatics never give up. They are so convinced that they are right and good, and that everyone else is wrong and bad, that a mere Supreme Court ruling against them barely gives them pause.

Politics

7 h. ago Trans rights supporters rally in London after UK Supreme Court ruling

Trans rights supporters rally in London after UK Supreme Court ruling  Australian Broadcasting Corporation

Events

7 h. ago Major shock in the snooker as champion Kyren Wilson is knocked OUT of the World Championship by Chinese underdog in the first round

Kyren Wilson fell victim to the 'Crucible Curse' as he crashed out in the first round of the World Snooker Championship in a dramatic 10-9 defeat to China's world number 39 Lei Peifan.

Events

8 h. ago Kyren Wilson crashes out at Crucible as Lei Peifan leads Chinese charge

Defending champion loses first-round thriller 10-9Debutant Lei and Xiao exemplify China’s fine startKyren Wilson became the latest victim of snooker’s Crucible curse after a shock defeat on the opening day of the World Snooker Championship at the hands of Chinese sensation Lei Peifan – underlining the belief many have that this could finally be the year China crowns its first champion of the world.Not since snooker’s most prestigious event moved to Sheffield in 1977 has a first-time winner of the event gone on to successfully defend the title. Wilson is now the 20th man on that list after his defence came to a shuddering halt within hours of this year’s tournament beginning, after the world No 39 produced a magnificent comeback victory. Continue reading...

Events

9 h. ago Mystery as British Airways cabin crew member is found dead in his hotel room during San Francisco stopover

The male crew member had flown out to San Francisco from the UK on Tuesday, and had been staying in the Californian city on a stopover.

Society

10 h. ago BREAKING: British Airways crew member found dead in hotel room on stop over before London flight

The British Airways crew member was found dead in a hotel room - we'll be bringing you the very latest updates, pictures and video on this breaking news story.

Society

10 h. ago British Airways crew member found dead in hotel room on stop over before London flight

The British Airways crew member was found dead in a hotel room - we'll be bringing you the very latest updates, pictures and video on this breaking news story.

Society