Girlguiding has given transgender girls and women until September 6, 2026, to leave the organization. The announcement comes after last year's Supreme Court ruling that defined sex as biological in equality law.
Key Takeaways
Girlguiding has given transgender girls and women until September 6, 2026, to leave the organization. This follows a Supreme Court ruling last year that defined sex as biological in equality law.
- Girlguiding sets deadline for trans members to leave by September
- Decision follows Supreme Court ruling on gender definition
- Trans+ Solidarity Alliance calls it 'heartbreaking' and a government failure
- Sex Matters advocates say the decision is necessary for single-sex provision
The decision applies to current members who are trans girls or young women, as well as those volunteering in roles open only to women. Trans boys and non-binary people assigned female at birth will not be affected by this change. The organization stated that the deadline was chosen to allow affected members time to plan and prepare.
The advocacy group Trans+ Solidarity Alliance described the news as 'heartbreaking' for children and volunteer leaders, calling it a failure of the government to uphold its promises to the trans community. A Girlguiding volunteer expressed feelings of devastation and betrayal among members, with some considering resigning.
In contrast, Helen Joyce, director of advocacy at Sex Matters, stated that requiring trans-identifying boys to leave is difficult but necessary for maintaining single-sex provision. She mentioned relief from parents who value such provisions. The organization has faced legal action and protests over its previous policy allowing transgender girls to join.
Girlguiding emphasized that their values of dignity, respect, and inclusion remain unchanged despite the new rules. They also called for clear guidance from the Equality and Human Rights Commission on handling the Supreme Court decision's effects. The organization has approximately 300,000 young members and 80,000 volunteers in the UK.
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