Trans girls banned from joining guides after 'difficult decision' made

The organisation confirmed today that membership will now be limited to biological females, marking a significant reversal of the policy introduced back in 2017.

It is a decision that comes roughly eight months after that court judgment, which has prompted numerous organisations across the country to reassess their own policies on single-sex spaces and membership criteria.

Girlguiding's leadership said the decision came after extensive deliberation, including expert legal guidance and feedback from senior and young members, as well as input from the organisation's council and board of trustees.

A joint statement released today from chairwoman of trustees Denise Wilson, chief executive Felicity Oswald and chief guide Tracy Foster acknowledged that the Supreme Court ruling has left many organisations with complex choices about what it could mean for girls and women.

"Girlguiding has reached the difficult decision that going forward membership of Girlguiding will be restricted to girls and young women, as defined in the Equality Act (2010)," the trio stated.

"From today (December 2), trans girls and young women, and others not recorded female at birth, will no longer be able to join Girlguiding as new young members.

"Girlguiding believes strongly in inclusion, and we will continue to support young people and adults in marginalised groups. Over the next few months, we will explore potential ways to champion this value. A new task force will look at ways to do this, in partnership with members.

"While Girlguiding may feel a little different going forward, our core aims and principles will always endure, and we remain committed to treating everyone with dignity and respect, particularly those from marginalised groups that have felt the biggest impact of this decision."

The new restrictions on membership took effect from today, though current young members will not face immediate changes – they will receive further details about their situation next week.

The claimant who took the case said: “I am relieved to hear that Girlguiding UK has finally taken the necessary steps to review its Equality and Diversity policy and bring it back into line with the law, as well as with Girlguiding UK’s own founding principles.

"Safeguarding for girls should never have been jettisoned for the sake of an ideology but it has been restored at long last.

"This is a victory for girls and women everywhere, and a victory for common sense.”

Paul Conrathe, from human rights solicitors Conrathe Gardner LLP, which acted for the claimant added: “Our client is delighted that Girlguiding has seen sense.

"Their policy regarding the admission of boys who identify as girls was not only unlawful but gave rise to serious safeguarding concerns.

"Calling themselves a ‘girls-only space’ yet allowing biological males to join was twisted logic and took no account of the law in Britain today.”

However, transgender advocates have spoken out against the decision, emphasising the importance of protecting the rights of all individuals including those who are transgender.

As for adult volunteers, the picture is a bit more nuanced. Most volunteer positions, including unit helpers, district helpers and administrative support roles, remain open to everyone regardless of gender.

However, certain roles specifically designated as female-only will be affected by the policy shift.

Girlguiding noted it doesn't collect gender identity data on its members, so the organisation can't say exactly how many people might be impacted by these changes.

Despite the policy change, Girlguiding stressed it remains deeply committed to treating everyone with dignity and respect, particularly those from marginalised communities who've felt the biggest impact of this decision.

The organisation is setting up a new task force to explore ways of supporting their inclusion values, working alongside members over the coming months.

Girlguiding currently has around 300,000 young members aged four to 18 across its Rainbows, Brownies, Guides and Rangers groups, supported by approximately 80,000 volunteers.