First UK legal case on female-only space

[UnimatrixZeroOne]

I wanted to share this because it really floored me.

A group of lesbians applied to Southwark Council for a small, disused council unit to run as a female-only community space. It wasn’t a planning application – it was a safeguarding-led request through the council’s own community asset process. They offered to pay rent and charges. They also said any suitable council unit would do, not just the one they first identified.

Southwark turned it down. Not because there was no space, but because it would be single-sex. That refusal is now going to court as a legal case under the Equality Act.

If the case wins, councils will have to apply the law properly when women ask for single-sex spaces. If it loses, it basically means councils can keep blocking us while handing out space to everyone else.

I find it shocking that in 2025 women have to fight in court just to have a lawful space of our own.

Then let's hope they win.

IANAL but assume they'll have to prove there is a real need for single sex given private clubs eg the garrick can no longer be single sex...is that right?

Is there somewhere to donate ?

Hi there. This post is about our group. Thank you for your kind words!

Yes, exactly. The legal test is whether there’s a real need. That’s why the case is being run under Schedule 3 of the Equality Act, which allows single-sex spaces where it’s necessary for privacy, safety or dignity.

There is a way to support the legal fund if you're able. If you search 'Southwark Council lesbian case' it should come straight up.

Really appreciate the support.

Blimey, I hadn’t heard about this. Can’t believe women are having to go to court in 2025 just to get a small space of our own. Southwark Council should be ashamed, it looks like they hand out units to all sorts of groups such as male-only and trans-only, yet draw the line at women?

I really hope they win. Feels like such a basic thing, and the fact it’s being fought under the Equality Act says it all.

What justification did they give? I'm in Southwark and I've known a community group to get a venue, it wasn't an arch mind you but it was a quick process from what I remember.

There was no lawful justification. They directed us to their other venues where we would be required to include men. They also refused to carry out an Equality Impact Assessment.