THE LEADER of Cornwall Council was asked for his view on the definition of a woman following the Supreme Court ruling earlier this year.

The question from Cllr Dulcie Tudor (Independent, Threemilestone and Chacewater) at a full council meeting came after she said some staff – and councillors – feel they may be penalised or ostracised for their views on gender.

The court ruling in April stated that when the term “woman” is used in the Equality Act, it means a biological woman and “sex” means biological sex. Judges also ruled that if a space or service is designated as women-only, a person who was born male but identifies as a woman does not have a right to use it.

At Lys Kernow/County Hall on Tuesday, Cllr Tudor told the chamber she was pleased a task force of officers has been set up to liaise with Cabinet members to bring Cornwall Council’s policies and practices in line with the Supreme Court clarification of the law.

However, she added: “This council went so far down the ideological rabbit hole that it has been brought to my attention some staff – perhaps understandably – feel they may be penalised or at risk of being ostracised for expressing their views based on biological reality.

“We know direction travels from the top down, so can I ask Cllr Frost in his capacity as leader of the council to provide some comfort and confidence to those staff – and councillors – and clarify his position.

“Does the leader agree that a woman is an adult human female and that no one with a penis can be a woman or indeed a lesbian?”

Cllr Leigh Frost (LibDem) said the issue was the remit of Cabinet colleague Cllr Thalia Marrington, Cabinet member for community safety and public health, but continued: “In my position as leader, I would follow the Supreme Court judgement.”