Women's Institute prohibited transgender women following U.K. Supreme Court decision.

The United Kingdoms largest women-focused organization has announced that it will no longer allow transgender women to join as formal members after a ruling by the U.K. Supreme Court clarified their legal status earlier this year.

On Wednesday, the Women's Institute confirmed the change in membership policy. CEO Melissa Green stated, "We would not make this decision if we had any alternative, but we must comply with the Supreme Court ruling to maintain our status as a legally recognized womens organization and charity."

Green emphasized that while formal membership will now be limited to biological women, the organization continues to acknowledge transgender women as women in principle.

Scotland, part of the U.K. with its own semi-autonomous government, enacted a law in 2018 requiring equal representation of men and women on public organization boards. Under that law, trans women with a gender recognition certificate counted toward female representation. However, the group For Women Scotland, advocating for "sex-based rights," challenged the inclusion of trans women in board counts, initially losing in Scottish courts before appealing to the Supreme Court.

The Supreme Court ruled in favor of For Women Scotland, deciding that trans women are not legally recognized as women under the Equality Act. The ruling has already influenced certain institutions, including the Football Association, which prohibited trans women from participating in womens soccer this past May.

The U.K.'s Equality and Human Rights Commission issued guidance in August restricting access for trans individuals to single-sex facilities in public service settings, including schools, hospitals, sports clubs, shelters, prisons, charities, and some shops.

In response, the Women's Institute plans to launch a nationwide network of local "sisterhood groups" in April. These groups will provide monthly opportunities for all individuals, including transgender women, to socialize, learn from one another, and share experiences of womanhood.

Green acknowledged the emotional impact of this decision on members and affirmed the organizations commitment to finding alternative ways to include transgender women in community and support initiatives.

Author: Gavin Porter