Women's Institute to discontinue providing membership to transgender women

The Women's Institute (WI) has declared that, with "deep regret," it will cease offering membership to transgender women. This policy change, affecting thousands of branches across the UK that host events, campaigns, and social gatherings, will take effect in April 2026.

The announcement follows a Supreme Court ruling earlier this year, which determined that under equality law, a woman is legally defined by biological sex. Until now, the WI allowed trans womenindividuals assigned male at birth who identify as femaleto join the organisation.

Melissa Green, chief executive of the National Federation of Women's Institutes, stated, "Given the current legal framework, we are no longer able to offer membership to trans women." She acknowledged the emotional weight of the decision, noting the organisation has shared "40 years of fellowship and sisterhood" with trans members.

The WI, a legally recognised womens charity, explained that to comply with the Supreme Court ruling it must "restrict formal membership to biological women only." To maintain inclusivity, the organisation plans to establish a national network of "sisterhood groups," alongside existing WI branches, offering trans-inclusive spaces to foster friendship and support for transgender women.

The decision comes shortly after Girlguiding announced it would also exclude transgender girls from membership. UK law, under the 2010 Equality Act, permits single-sex organisations to restrict membership based on biological sex. In April, the Supreme Court clarified that if a single-sex organisation admits members of the opposite biological sex, it cannot legally be considered single-sex for equality purposes. The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has indicated it will update guidance to clarify these rules for organisations.

Green described the decision as "difficult," noting that the WI has 175,000 members, many of whom have strong feelings on both sides. She emphasised that while the council wanted to remain trans-inclusive, the legal options were limited. Some trans women have been members for over 40 years, and Green acknowledged the "sadness" this change may cause.

She stressed that the WI still recognises transgender women as women and will express ongoing support through the new network. Green declined to detail how membership restrictions will be enforced, pending EHRC guidance, and did not provide figures on how many trans women are currently members, but noted any enforcement would be proportionate to the setting.

Helen Belcher, chair of trans rights group TransActual, criticised the change, calling it "the second national charity in as many days forced to exclude trans people against their will." She warned of the risks to those who may lose access to vital social networks and urged government action.

Helen Joyce, director of womens rights charity Sex Matters, defended the WIs decision, stating that single-sex organisations must maintain their original purpose and exclude biological men, regardless of gender identity. She noted that mixed-sex groups and trans-focused charities remain available for those seeking alternatives.

Author: Benjamin Carter