A group representing LGBT Christians has responded to the Supreme Court’s ruling on the definition of a woman, saying the decision “threatens the LGBT+ community”.

On Wednesday, 16th April, the UK Supreme Court ruled that the legal definition of a woman is someone biologically assigned female at birth. This means that legal gender is not changed by gender recognition certificates, which many transgender people hold.

One Body One Faith, which represents LGBT Christians in the UK, said: “Recent media coverage and political machinations have wrongly scapegoated trans people, causing harm that will have implications for years to come. [The] Supreme Court ruling threatens the LGBT+ community still further.

“Trans, non-binary, and gender-diverse people are beloved by God, created in the image of Divinity that fully encompasses all that we understand by gender, and so much more. The recent harm experienced by some of the most vulnerable LGBT+ people, is not only damaging to individuals and communities, but to the beauty of God’s creative work in humanity.”

The Supreme Court challenge was brought by campaign group For Women Scotland, concerning Scottish legislation requiring 50 per cent female representation on public boards. The dispute hinged on whether individuals with a gender recognition certificate could legally fulfil part of that female representation.

Some Christian groups hailed the ruling as a victory for women and faith. Lois McLatchie Miller, a spokesperson for Alliance Defending Freedom, told Premier: “I think a critical part of love, as defined in Scripture, is truth. We're called to speak in love and in truth. We can welcome this ruling as Christians. We can see it as a victory for a woman, but also a victory for truth – and the truth is helpful for everybody.”

One Body One Faith said that it is “still taking the necessary time to fully understand this ruling”, but maintains “prayerful hope”.