Girlguiding UK has announced a significant change to its membership policy, now restricting entry to individuals who were recorded as female at birth. This means transgender girls and young women will no longer be able to join the organisation as new members.
Details of the New Membership Policy
The organisation, which includes groups such as Rainbows, Brownies, Guides, and Rangers, said the decision was made with a "heavy heart" and described it as difficult. The new rule is effective immediately for all new applicants across the UK. Girlguiding cited a recent Supreme Court ruling as the basis for its choice, which clarified that the terms "woman" and "sex" in equality law refer to biological sex.
It is important to note that transgender boys will still be eligible to join or remain as members because they were recorded as female at birth. The organisation, which has approximately 300,000 members, stated that for young people currently in Girlguiding, the change does not require immediate action. However, it plans to release further information on their status next week.
Reaction and Organisational Response
The decision has drawn strong condemnation from trans rights campaigners. They argue the organisation is being pressured to exclude young trans girls and have labelled the policy an "horrible act of violence."
In response to the controversy, Girlguiding affirmed its commitment to respecting all individuals. The organisation stated it will establish a new task force to explore other potential ways to champion its value of inclusion and provide support to marginalised groups.
What Happens Next?
The immediate focus is on implementing the new policy for applicants while managing the status of existing members. The promised task force and further guidance expected next week will be closely watched by both supporters and critics of the decision. This move places Girlguiding UK at the centre of an ongoing national debate about inclusion, identity, and the interpretation of equality law.
