Ashley James has publicly announced she is stepping down as a Girlguiding ambassador following the organisation’s decision to ban trans girls from joining.
Girlguiding confirmed the move on December 2, saying it will no longer accept biological boys who identify as girls.
The organisation cited the Supreme Court ruling earlier this year that concluded sex in equality law refers to biological sex.
A joint statement from Denise Wilson (Chair of Trustees), Felicity Oswald (CEO) and Tracy Foster (Chief Guide) said the decision was made after “detailed considerations, expert legal advice and input from senior members, young members and our Council”.
Ashley James with Girlguiding member as Girlguides set out how the next Government should better prioritise the needs, happiness and safety of girls and young women, 2024
|PA
The statement read: “Girlguiding’s governing charity documents set out that the membership and people who benefit from our organisation are girls and women.
“The Supreme Court ruled that girls and women are defined in the Equality Act 2010 by their biological sex at birth.
“From today, 2 December… we are announcing trans girls and young women will no longer be able to join Girlguiding.
“This is a decision we would have preferred not to make, and we know that this may be upsetting for members of our community.”
Girl Guides was founded in 1910 by Agnes Baden-Powell
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Girlguiding also confirmed there will be “no immediate changes” for current young members, and that most adult volunteer roles will remain open to all.
The claimant who brought the legal challenge welcomed the change, calling it “a victory for girls and women everywhere, and a victory for common sense,” adding “safeguarding for girls should never have been jettisoned for the sake of an ideology”.
The policy provoked a fierce backlash online.
Trans advocate, Dr Helen Webberley, wrote on X: “Which idiots came up with this idea?” adding that it was “cold-hearted” to ban “some girls” from a space they love.
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Broadcaster India Willoughby criticised the organisation’s decision, calling it “appalling and cruel”.
British broadcaster and former Girlguiding ambassador Ashley Louise James has now condemned the ban.
The DJ, model and social commentator shared a lengthy statement announcing she would step down with immediate effect.
Ms James wrote: “I am – and always will be – proud of my time as a Girlguiding ambassador. As a former Rainbow and Brownie myself, I know first-hand what a difference these spaces make to girls… including trans girls, who were every bit as bright, joyful and deserving as any other child.”
She continued: “I am truly heartbroken for the trans community who simply want to live their lives, be included, and have access to safe, supportive spaces… Trans girls experience the same threats as other women and girls – they are not a threat to us. They are our sisters.”
The familiar This Morning face stated she would “stand with [her] trans sisters today and always” and use her voice to “fight for a world where every girl – cis or trans – grows up knowing she belongs.”
Her resignation prompted strong reactions online. Some praised her “bravery”, while others condemned her position.
Women’s Rights campaigner Gina Martin wrote: “Absolutely the right decision. Standing with you @ashleylouisejames… I won’t be working with @girlguiding until they reverse this decision.”
Ashley James became a Girlguides ambassador in March and has already left the role
Other supporters included LGBT couple Toby & Mikey Perryman-Payne, who said: “So proud of you for this. Thank you for always being such a strong voice of reason.”
Critics argued the organisation was right to prioritise biological sex.
“The clue is in the name. GIRL Guides!” one user wrote, while another said James was “no loss” for being “more concerned with the rights of boys than girls”.
Another comment read: “The Girl Guides is meant to give girls space away from boys to develop their confidence and self-worth; not to groom girls into being caregivers.”
Girlguiding leadership said it remains committed to inclusion and will explore “new opportunities” to support marginalised young people through a planned taskforce.
The organisation acknowledged the change will “feel different” but insisted its mission to support girls’ confidence and safety remains the same.
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