Judge blocks charity’s challenge over trans people’s use of Hampstead ponds single-sex facilities

The Guardian - World NewsCenter-LeftEN 3 min read 100% complete by Jessica Murray Social affairs correspondentJanuary 29, 2026 at 02:42 PM

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A High Court judge blocked a legal challenge by the charity Sex Matters against the City of London's policy allowing transgender people to use single-sex facilities at Hampstead Heath's swimming ponds. Sex Matters argued that the policy amounted to sex discrimination, citing a Supreme Court ruling on the definition of "woman" and "sex" in the Equality Act. Mrs. Justice Lieven dismissed the case, stating that an individual discrimination claim at the county court would be a more appropriate venue. The ruling coincided with the City of London publishing consultation results showing 86% of respondents favored maintaining the current trans-inclusive arrangements. While Sex Matters expressed disappointment and vowed to continue fighting for single-sex spaces, the Good Law Project hailed the decision as a victory for trans rights.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

UK 40% Kenwood Ladies' Pond 40% Highgate Men's Pond 40% Equality Act 50% Good Law Project 60% Tom Cross KC 60% Maya Forstater 60% Mrs Justice Lieven 70% Hampstead Heath ×270% City of London ×380% Sex Matters ×490%

Keywords

transgender rights 90% single-sex facilities 80% legal challenge 70% hampstead ponds 70% sex discrimination 60% equality act 50% city of london 50% gender-critical 50% trans-inclusive 40%