Gender identity and constitutional law: Global and local perspectives

The recent decision of the United Kingdom Supreme Court in For Women Scotland Ltd v The Scottish Ministers [2025] UKSC 16 has sparked debate and controversy. The case concerns the meaning of ‘sex’ in the Equality Act 2010 and whether trans people can be recognised according to their gender identity for the purposes of equality law. This case provides an opportunity to reflect on the right to gender recognition, that is the right claimed by trans people to change gender markers in identity documents and to obtain a legal status aligned with one’s gender identity. The speakers will discuss this case and explore its social, cultural, and doctrinal aspects. Building on this decision, they will also offer comparative, theoretical, and doctrinal insights into the right to gender recognition and its limitations, both globally and in Hong Kong.