Girlguiding barred transgender girls after threat of court action from parents
One mother claimed the existing approach created an “intimidating, hostile, humiliating or offensive environment"
By Callum Wells
Girlguiding barred transgender girls from becoming members after a group of parents threatened to take the charity to court, accusing its previous policy of putting girls at risk.
The organisation yesterday (2 December) confirmed it had made the “difficult decision” to restrict membership to biological females following a Supreme Court ruling in April that clarified the Equality Act 2010’s definitions of “women” and “sex”.
While the judgment did not concern Girlguiding directly, the charity said it triggered a wave of legal warnings from parents who argued its transgender inclusion policy breached single-sex rules.
One mother claimed girls were “sharing toilets, showers or changing facilities with boys”
One mother, writing in a pre-action letter seen by The Times, claimed the existing approach created an “intimidating, hostile, humiliating or offensive environment”, suggesting girls were being placed in situations involving “sharing toilets, showers or changing facilities with boys” or “contact sports with boys” without their knowledge or consent.
Girlguiding said the growing threat of litigation forced it to review its stance, which since 2018 had allowed transgender girls to join. Chief executive Felicity Oswald, chair of trustees Denise Wilson and chief guide Tracy Foster said the legal landscape had shifted so sharply that continuing the policy risked exposing the charity to further challenges.
“The Supreme Court ruling means many organisations across the country have been facing complex decisions about what it means for girls and women,” the trio said in a joint statement. “Girlguiding has reached the difficult decision that going forward membership… will be restricted to girls and young women, as defined in the Equality Act.”
The change applies only to new youth members. Transgender adults can continue volunteering, and existing young members will not be removed. More detailed guidance is expected next week.
This is not the first time legal action has collided with Girlguiding’s policies
Behind the scenes, the charity consulted senior members, young members and external lawyers before acting. Insiders say it had become clear that ongoing threats of court action could drain resources and destabilise local groups.
This is not the first time legal action has collided with Girlguiding’s policies. In 2022 former leader Katie Alcock lost her role after challenging the organisation’s trans-inclusive rules. Alcock claimed her “gender-critical” beliefs were protected and accused the charity of discrimination. Girlguiding later settled the case out of court.
The organisation said it remains “committed to treating everyone with dignity and respect” and will set up a task force to explore ways to support marginalised young people while operating within the law.
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