“Decisions to exclude the Trans+ community do real harm and send a dangerous message about who is considered worthy of belonging”
BY HARRIET CURZON, IMAGE BY GETTY IMAGES
Trans organisations have condemned the Labour Party’s decision to bar trans women from attending the main events of the Labour Women’s Conference next year.
The Trans Legal Clinic and Labour for Trans Rights have criticised last week’s Labour Party ruling that trans women would not be able to attend the main session of the Labour Women’s Conference in 2026, saying it will impact trans rights.
Labour’s decision, in response to the Supreme Court’s ruling in April that the legal definition of “woman” refers to biological sex in the 2010 Equality Act, means trans women will be unable to hear speeches or vote on policy debates and motions presented in the main conference hall. The party announced that trans women would be able to attend fringe events, which are open to everyone regardless of gender.
The Trans Legal Clinic, a charity which provides legal support for transgender people, has said Labour’s decision comes from a place of pressure and uncertainty.
A spokesperson for the Trans Legal Clinic said: “The decision, from a party that has consistently undermined Trans+ rights and sought to erode civil liberties in the UK, further reflects Labour’s hostile attitude to the Trans+ community and its attempts to exclude and undermine Trans+ voices.”
Olivia Campbell-Cavendish, founder and director of the Trans Legal Clinic, said: “Decisions to exclude the Trans+ community do real harm and send a dangerous message about who is considered worthy of belonging.”
“Labour’s continued willingness to sideline Trans+ voices erodes our rights and emboldens the anti-trans extremists who seek to exclude us from public life altogether.”
They have called for Labour to reverse their decision to bar trans women from the main session and for the Minister for Women and Equalities to clarify how service providers can include trans people following the Supreme Court ruling.
Another group, Labour for Trans Rights, a grassroots campaign in the Labour Party, has said: “Trans members are being cut out of the democratic processes of the Labour Party when many have given years of service, knocking doors and standing as candidates.”
The decision follows Girlguiding and the Women’s Institute announcements last week of similar restrictions on trans women and girls participating.
Love media made by and for LGBTQIA+ women and gender diverse people? Then you’ll love DIVA. We’ve been spotlighting the community for over 30 years. Here’s how you can get behind queer media and keep us going for another generation: linkin.bio/ig-divamagazine
Did you know that DIVA has now become a charity? Our magazine is published by the DIVA Charitable Trust. You can find out more about the organisation and how you can offer your support here: divacharitabletrust.com
