Laura Anne Jones MS has criticised the Welsh Government for failing to act quickly to ensure women and girls in Wales receive the same clarity and protections, following the Supreme Court’s ruling on biological sex and the introduction of the EHRC updated Code of Practice by the UK Government.

The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) updated Statutory Code of Practice for Services, Public Functions and Associations officially came into force on August 5, 2026, following a 40-day period of parliamentary scrutiny. It confirms that "sex" under the Equality Act refers strictly to biological sex.

Ms Jones said Welsh women and girls in Wales have been left behind whilst ministers continue to drag their feet instead of providing clear direction to public bodies across Wales.

The Reform MS said:

“It is absolutely abhorrent that women and girls in Wales have been left waiting for the Welsh Government to get its act together. There are no excuses left, there is no reason for further delay. The law is clear, yet Ministers have been painfully slow.

“This may be because Plaid Cymru are still unable to say that a woman means a biological woman. If they cannot even answer that basic question, it is little wonder they have failed to act.”

“I can only hope that the issuing of this guidance today stimulates action from the Welsh Government into doing the right thing.”

Laura Anne Jones is calling on the Welsh Government to:

  • Urgently update guidance to public bodies.
  • Ensure NHS Wales, Schools, Sporting bodies and other devolved services, and those in receipt of public funds, follow the law.
  • Review policies that are inconsistent with the Supreme Court ruling, and take punitive action against them.

“Women deserve dignity, privacy and safety, and ministers must stop delaying and start ensuring public bodies across Wales comply with the law.”