Among the big news headlines recently was the Supreme Court ruling that decided a woman is defined by their biological sex, in accordance with the 2010 Equality Act. The Court also deliberated the meaning of “man,” “woman” and “sex”.
Justices Lord Hodge, Lady Rose and Lady Simler, along with other justices, unanimously agreed that “woman” can only be defined biologically. And therefore this ruling protects women from biological men trespassing into boundaries reserved exclusively for women – for example girls toilets, changing rooms etc.
A range of responses
Directors of the For Women Scotland (FWS) Susan Smith and Marion Calder were pictured celebrating as they left the court house, all smiles with their hands raised in a picture of victory. The reason for their delight? They had been battling a case against the Scottish Government since 2018 relating to the true biological definition of a woman. So after many petitions and appeals and public awareness they finally received the result that they were looking for.
The ruling from the Supreme Court sparked a response from many including famous author Joanne Rowling (JK Rowling) who said: “It took three extraordinary, tenacious Scottish women with an army behind them to get this case heard by the Supreme Court and, in winning, they’ve protected the rights of women and girls across the UK. @ForWomenScot, I’m so proud to know you."
But not everyone was in favour of the ruling. The BBC published countless articles which gave a sympathetic platform to dissident voices from the trans community. While Labour MP Dawn Butler spoke out in the House of Commons, stating, “If you’re saying that trans women have to use men’s toilets, trans men then have to use women’s toilets. How are you going to stop them? By asking to see their genitalia? It makes no sense.”
How do we respond as Christians to this ruling and where do we go from here?
- Praise God for any victories for truth and justice.
Philippians 4:8 begins with, “Finally, brothers, whatever is true…” and Paul provides a list of things worthy of praise that we are to think about. The Bible’s primary concern is spiritual truth, however believers must always be drawn to truth no matter the situation. Is there is a situation in the workplace involving corruption? Christians must desire truth. Are you giving a witness statement to the police? Christians must desire truth. Are you protesting something? Christians must desire truth. Therefore, we can praise God for any legal hearing that confirms the truth regarding gender.
This ruling has further positive implications that we may not realise. For example, the ruling should protect women from abuse in women only spaces in prisons, changing rooms and toilets. The ruling also should encourage single sex toilets in schools again - Edapt, who give legal and employee help to schools in England and Wales, stated the ruling “reflects the legal framework as it currently stands, which requires schools to provide single-sex spaces based on biological sex.” - Understand the state of the nation
Although we can be thankful for any ruling that sides with the truth regarding gender and sex, many (like me) weren’t celebrating like FWS. Rather, we mourned that we need the Supreme Court to determine what is defined as a man and woman. Of course believers have always known that God created us "male and female" (Gen. 1:27). But without God, who determines the truth on gender, sex or anything?
As Dostoevsky once wrote: “If God did not exist, everything would be permitted”. And that permit for everything would come down to mans subjective opinion.
So we must discern our times like the "men of Issachar" in preparing for battle alongside David, as "men who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do" (1 Chron. 12:32). As a church before we know what we ‘ought to do’ - we must discern the times. And these truly are strange times we live in when a court ruling is needed to determine what a woman is.
Indeed this issue is deeper than simply ‘a man wants to dress as a woman’ akin to preferring a strawberry milkshake rather than a banana milkshake. Rather the issue is a deep spiritual deception from the enemy that has borne fruit into our society. I would argue also it is a fulfilment of prophecy. As 1 Timothy 4:1 says, “The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons.” Scripture also reminds us the primarily battle is a spiritual one: “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” (Eph. 6:12). - Does the Bible have anything to say about the Trans issue?
Regarding God’s thoughts about this situation, believers have long since realised there is no confusion. God spoke man into creation saying: “Let us make man in our image” (Gen. 1:26), the next chapter clarifies further “…male and female he created them” (Gen. 2:27).
The Bible doesn’t use the word ‘transgender’ directly as it wasn’t invented until the twentieth century. However, the closest description of trans behaviour is referenced in Deuteronomy chapter 22. In verse 5 it says, “A woman must not wear men’s clothing, nor a man wear women’s clothing, for the Lord your God detests anyone who does this”. It’s important to note this instruction isn’t simply rebuking women dressing as men and vice versa. Rather, God warns someone of going against His created order and thus representing themselves untruthfully.
The implications of the trans ideology results in one pulling away from God’s natural order. Therefore, although this ruling is a victory for truth, it is still treating the symptom rather than the root cause. What then is the root cause Like all disobedience to God’s order and instruction, the root cause is always sin. God spoke through Paul that: “The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness.” (Rom. 1:1). The Bible also confirms: “They exchanged the truth about God for a lie…” (Rom. 1:25), they are given over “…to a depraved mind, so that they do what ought not to be done” (Rom. 1:28b) and “they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them” (Rom. 1:32b). The Bible confirms someone at some point has been deceived, away from the truth of God’s order for man.
There is hope for those struggling in the trans lifestyle, but the battle is a spiritual one not carnal one. As Christian author Strachan states, “This hope is not found in us, in any wise guru, in any activist, in any scientist or doctor, but in God”. - Focus on our God-given purpose, as we speak the truth in love.
As believers we of all people should not be shocked at the downward spiral in our society regarding gender and sex. Nor should we try to police the behaviours of non-believers “For what have I to do with judging outsiders?” (1 Cor. 5:12a). Rather, our primary purpose must be to encourage non-believers to repent and believe the gospel for the salvation of their souls (Rom. 1:16). In loving our community, I’m reminded of the words of Jesus, “let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Matt. 5:16).
My wife and I work with transgender people and we realise the most effective way to minister to them is to treat them with love. Interestingly, I’ve heard many people from this community state: "God accepts me for who I am" and I’ve discovered they had a Christian background. I’ve heard it said "people don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care." This care must be true of us.
Unless asked, it is unwise for us to dive in and attack someone’s 'trans’ identity. We must desire to win the person, rather than win the argument and drive them away forever. Yes it is the elephant in the room, yes we know what the truth is and we are bursting to tell them. But until they trust us, they will not allow us to minister to them. I’m not encouraging us to adopt a fake need for their approval, but many I’ve met who identify as trans are generally very lonely and depressed people. Therefore our first priority in thinking about the individual to minister to, is to love them. Jesus instructs us “You shall love your neighbour as yourself” (Matt. 22:39) and Paul reminds us “If I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing” (1 Cor. 13:2).
Love is never disconnected from truth, they are two sides of the same coin, and therefore if truth is received love must precede (2 Tim. 2:25-26). I think it’s important to remember nothing that happens in the world surprises God. His Word reminds us “there’s nothing new under the sun” (Eccles. 1:9). As believers this ruling does not change our purpose to love God and love people as Christ instructed us (Matt 22:37-39). We must pray because God is sovereign and listens to His people.
Therefore I will finish by reminding us of a passage that instructs us of our duty in society 1 Timothy 2:1-4, “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Saviour, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.”
Recommended resources
What does the Bible teach about Transgenderism? (book) by Owen Stachan & Gavin Peacock.
The Transgender Agenda (DVD). Available here.
Transgender to Transformed: A Story of Transition That Will Truly Set You Free. Available here.
Transsexualism (PDF booklet) by the Christian Institute, available free here.
Social Issues Pocket Guide (booklet). Available here.
A helpful challenge – but I don’t recognise those views
This article was written in response to the article "Same-sex attraction and identity: Are evangelicals on the right track?" …