Hundreds of Girlguiding volunteers threaten to quit organisation over trans ban
Hundreds of Girlguiding volunteers threatened to leave the organization, and the latest ban on trans girls in the organization was not lifted.
Following the announcement on Tuesday, it was revealed that Girlguiding, which has nearly 300,000 UK members across its Rainbows, Brownies, Guides and Rangers groups, will now only allow women registered at birth to join.
Volunteers feel they were not consulted about the decision and that it conflicts with the organisation’s core values.
Amanda Jane Heather, who led the petition, which has more than 200 signatures, said: “We cannot in good conscience support a policy that contradicts established conservation research, the lived experiences of our members and the overarching values we have been trained to deliver.
“Volunteers are taking this step not just out of frustration, but out of deep concern.”
The volunteers have yet to receive a response from Girlguiding acknowledging their intention to resign.
“Many of us who signed the letter of intent to resign are long-time volunteers who have believed that Girlguiding’s strength has always come from its inclusivity, compassion and commitment to helping all girls grow with confidence.
“The recent decision to exclude transgender girls represents a fundamental departure from these values for many of us,” Ms Heather said.
Although the decision to restrict new membership came into effect on Tuesday, there is no immediate change for existing members and more information is expected to be shared this week.
The policy change comes about eight months after the Supreme Court’s decision on biological sex; Girlguiding said this means “many organizations across the country are facing complex decisions about what this means for girls, women and the wider communities affected.”
The organization said the “difficult decision” was made following “detailed consideration, expert legal advice and input from senior members, junior members”, its council and board of trustees.
In a joint statement issued last week by Girlguiding trustees Denise Wilson, chief executive Felicity Oswald and chief guide Tracy Foster said: “Girlguiding believes strongly in inclusivity and we will continue to support young people and adults from marginalized 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 collaboration with members.
“While Girlguiding may feel a little different going forward, our core goals and principles will always remain and we are committed to treating everyone with dignity and respect, especially those from marginalized groups who feel the greatest impact of this decision.”
But Ms Heather said most volunteers were stunned by the announcement.
“The extent of the backlash reflects the level of distress caused by the decision. Many volunteers feel that this policy has been implemented without meaningful consultation, without adequate justification and without any clear evidence that trans inclusion poses a protective risk to Girl Guiding.”
“On the contrary, our evidence from Girlguiding’s own history of inclusive practice, as well as from national and international youth sector research, shows that trans inclusion strengthens wellbeing and safety within groups.”
Tammy Hymas, policy lead at TransActual, said: “It’s appalling that an organization that has been happily inclusive for many years is being forced to exclude young trans girls by bigoted, institutionally powerful adults. There’s no problem to be solved here, just harm being done.”
Independent Girlguiding has been contacted for comment.
