A defiant Kemi Badenoch today told David Tennant 'I was right' following the Supreme Court's ruling on the legal definition of a 'woman'. The Tory leader returned to her past row with the former Doctor Who star in the wake of the judgment by the UK's highest court.
On April 16, 2025, senior judges confirmed that the terms 'woman' and 'sex' in the 2010 Equality Act refer specifically to a biological woman and biological sex. This ruling means that transgender women with a gender recognition certificate (GRC) can be excluded from single-sex spaces if it is deemed 'proportionate'.
Ms. Badenoch, a former women and equalities minister, hailed the ruling as a 'victory'. Speaking to GB News, she pointed to how she had 'got abuse'—including from Tennant—for 'really fighting on this issue' in the past. Ahead of last summer's general election, the Scottish actor sparked a furious row with Ms. Badenoch by telling her to 'shut up' on issues such as transgender rights.
As he received an award for being a 'celebrity ally' for LGBTQ+ people, Tennant said of the Conservative MP: 'I don't wish ill of her, I just wish her to shut up.'
Ms. Badenoch referred back to the row when she was asked why it had been left to judges to confirm the definition of a 'woman' after the Tories spent 14 years in power. 'Judges had also been changing the definition,' she replied. 'This went to the Supreme Court because at a lower court, a different ruling was given.' She noted that the case has been ongoing since 2018, long before she became equalities minister.
Badenoch further elaborated, stating, 'And there were many other things which I did when I was in government. You look at what happened in Scotland, where they were bringing in full self-identification. I was the one who stopped that, bringing in that Section 35 judgment. I also supported a lot of the people who had been working on these cases.'
She emphasized her commitment to the issue, saying, 'I was bringing in legislation to emphasize that sex in the Equality Act was biological, just as the snap election was called. I wasn't expecting that. But I spent my entire time as equalities minister really fighting on this issue - I even got abuse from David Tennant!'
In her response to Tennant's past comments, Badenoch stated, 'But it's one of those things where a lot of people have been scared to speak out. You need bravery, and I'm so pleased I cannot tell you how pleased I am.'
When asked about her message to Tennant, she added, 'I was right! And actually what is now really clear is that the law explains something that all children know, men are men and women are women.'
In light of the Supreme Court ruling, the Tory leader suggested there should now be a parliamentary review of laws on equality and gender recognition. This proposal reflects the ongoing debate surrounding gender identity and the rights of transgender individuals in the UK.
The ruling has sparked discussions across various platforms, with supporters of Badenoch praising the decision as a necessary affirmation of biological definitions, while critics argue it undermines the rights and identities of transgender individuals.
As tensions continue to rise in the discourse surrounding gender and equality, this latest development emphasizes the complexities of the issue and the differing perspectives held by politicians, activists, and the public.
With the Supreme Court's ruling now in place, the conversation around gender recognition is likely to evolve further, prompting calls for legislative reviews and potential changes in policy. Advocates on both sides of the debate are preparing for what could be a contentious period in UK politics.
As the dust settles on the Supreme Court's decision, it remains to be seen how this will impact future legislation and the ongoing battle over gender rights in the UK. With figures like Kemi Badenoch and David Tennant at the forefront of this debate, the implications of this ruling will likely resonate far beyond the courtroom.
In a society increasingly aware of the nuances of gender identity, the challenge will be finding a balance that respects the rights of all individuals while adhering to legal definitions that some argue are necessary for safeguarding women's spaces.
This latest episode in the ongoing saga of gender identity politics showcases not only the deep divisions within society but also the potential for dialogue and understanding as various stakeholders navigate these complex issues.
As the conversation continues, both Badenoch and Tennant will likely remain key figures in this debate, representing different sides of a multifaceted issue that affects many lives in the UK and beyond.
