The legal battle in Scotland over the definition of a woman has led the Scottish government to expend more than £766,000 of public funds. The dispute focused on the terminology used in the Equality Act 2010, particularly whether 'woman' and 'sex' refer exclusively to biological characteristics. In a significant ruling from the UK's highest court last April, it was affirmed that these terms do indeed apply to biological women and biological sex, effectively supporting the position of the campaign group For Women Scotland (FWS) in this contentious debate.

As a consequence of the court's decision, the Scottish government was directed to pay substantial legal costs incurred by For Women Scotland, which amounted to £540,000. The campaign group announced that it received a full settlement of £392,500 as part of this order. Consequently, this financial settlement adds to the extensive costs accrued by the government in the two judicial reviews that have been part of this ongoing legal situation. The total expenditure by the SNP administration linked to the case highlights the financial and political stakes involved in defining gender in legal terms.

The court's ruling and the resulting financial implications reveal the complexities surrounding gender identity and the laws governing it, emphasizing how such definitions can incite significant legal and societal ramifications. The funds received by FWS will be allocated to cover their own legal expenses, and the resolution of this case may influence future discussions and legislation regarding gender rights and definitions within both the Scottish and broader UK legal frameworks.