Hebrew Synagogue Welcomes UK Court Clarity on Biologically Specific Facilities
- WireNews
- 10 hours ago
- 2 min read
Hebrew Synagogue has today confirmed its support for the legal clarification provided by the United Kingdom Supreme Court and subsequent Equality and Human Rights Commission guidance regarding the use of single-sex facilities based upon biological sex under the Equality Act 2010.
The organisation confirmed that this position will apply across all facilities operated by Hebrew Synagogue throughout the United Kingdom, including public toilets, changing areas, washing facilities, and מקוה (mikveh, ritual immersion facilities), including those operated within Beth Israel Synagogue and any future congregational or community sites under the Hebrew Synagogue umbrella.
Rami ben Ze’ev, Rabbi and Executive Director of Hebrew Synagogue, said:
“Hebrew Synagogue supports the clarification provided by the courts and the subsequent guidance confirming that single-sex facilities are to be understood according to biological sex under the law of the United Kingdom. This brings needed clarity to religious organisations, schools, charities, and public institutions alike.”
He continued:
“For Judaism, biological distinction between male and female is not a political invention nor a modern social construct. It is foundational within Torah, Halakhah, modesty laws, and the operation of religious facilities such as toilets, changing areas, and מקוה facilities. The preservation of those distinctions is essential for dignity, privacy, modesty, and the proper operation of Jewish communal life.”
Rami ben Ze’ev further stated:
“This position is not motivated by hostility toward any person. Every human being is created with dignity and must be treated with consideration. However, respect for individuals does not require the abandonment of biological reality, nor does compassion require religious institutions to disregard Torah principles or legal clarity.”
The organisation also confirmed that where practical and appropriate, alternative private or unisex facilities may be considered in certain settings in order to preserve dignity for all individuals while maintaining compliance with both Torah obligations and United Kingdom law.
The statement follows the UK Supreme Court judgment in For Women Scotland Ltd v The Scottish Ministers, which clarified that the terms “sex”, “man”, and “woman” within the Equality Act refer to biological sex.
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