内容摘要：The Rev. James Martin, who seeks to build bridges with LGBTQ+ Catholics, knows the degree of opposition but remains hopeful.

The Rev. James Martin, who seeks to build bridges with LGBTQ+ Catholics, knows the degree of opposition but remains hopeful.

“We can identify no good reason why the legislature should have intended that sex-based rights and protections under the (Equality Act) should apply to these complex, heterogenous groupings, rather than to the distinct group of (biological) women and girls (or men and boys) with their shared biology leading to shared disadvantage and discrimination faced by them as a distinct group,” they wrote.The ruling makes no mention of

, who also are not explicitly protected under the Equality Act.Women’s rights activists celebrate outside the Supreme Court to challenge gender recognition laws, in London, Wednesday, April 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)Women’s rights activists celebrate outside the Supreme Court to challenge gender recognition laws, in London, Wednesday, April 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)

As in other countries, the issue has polarized opinion, pitting transgender rights campaigners against “gender critical” feminists, who argue that trans women’s rights should not come at the expense of those who are born biologically female.For Women Scotland said it was “absolutely jubilant” at the ruling. “Harry Potter” author

, a prominent supporter of the group, said the court victory had “protected the rights of women and girls across the U.K.”

But LGBTQ+ charity Stonewall said there is “deep concern” surrounding the ruling’s consequences.Students of the Pacelli School for the Blind and Partially Sighted wait for the start of their swimming lesson at their schools’ pool by swimming coach Emeka Chuks Nnadi as part of his Swim in 1 Day, or SID, nonprofit, in Lagos, Nigeria, Wednesday, March 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Sunday Alamba)

The World Health Organization considers drowning as one of the leading causes of death through unintentional injury globally, with at least 300,000 people dying from drowning every year. The most at risk are young children.Many of the deaths occur in African countries like Nigeria, with limited resources and training to avert such deaths.

In Nigeria — a country of more than 200 million people, 35 million of whom the government says are— the challenge is far worse for disabled people who have less access to limited opportunities and resources in addition to societal stigma.