City of London Defends Trans-Inclusive Bathing Policy at Hampstead Heath After Supreme Court Ruling

The City of London Corporation, which acts as trustee of the Hampstead Heath charity, has responded to a judicial review and a Supreme Court ruling that clarified the legal definition of 'sex' under equality law. In its statement, the Corporation made clear that it intends to maintain trans-inclusive arrangements at the Heath's bathing ponds. A spokesperson said the Supreme Court's ruling "did not require all services to become single-sex" and that it did "not prevent trans-inclusive arrangements." The Corporation emphasised that its focus has always been on "providing a safe, respectful, and well-managed environment for everyone who uses the ponds," adding that it is "confident that our approach is lawful, proportionate, and appropriate." Hampstead Heath's outdoor ponds have been at the centre of public debate in recent years over access policies for transgender users of the designated single-sex facilities.