Girlguiding UK to Ban Trans Girls from Joining Following Supreme Court Ruling

Girlguiding, the organisation that oversees girl guide groups across the UK, has announced it will ban trans girls from joining. The change means biological boys who identify as girls will no longer be accepted as new members.
The organisation said the decision comes in response to a Supreme Court ruling earlier this year, which confirmed that, under UK equality law, “sex” refers to biological sex.
In a statement, Girlguiding’s trustees said the move was made with a “heavy heart” and described it as a “difficult decision.” They added that further announcements will clarify what the change will mean for current members.
Around 385,000 girls and young women, aged four to 18, participate in Girlguiding groups across the UK, including Rainbows, Brownies, Guides, and Rangers. Girlguiding confirmed that the new rule, effective from 2 December, applies to new members only. Biological girls who identify as boys will still be able to join.
The trustees acknowledged that the decision could be upsetting for some members, but emphasised that the organisation remains committed to inclusion and supporting young people and adults in marginalised groups.
The move has prompted strong reactions. Women’s rights charity Sex Matters welcomed the decision, calling it the “right thing,” while trans rights group TransActual criticised it, saying it causes harm without solving any problems.
UK law allows single-sex organisations and spaces to exclude members of the opposite sex. In April, the Supreme Court clarified that this applies based on biological sex, a ruling that influenced Girlguiding’s decision. Draft guidance on interpreting this law has been presented to the government by the Equality and Human Rights Commission but has not yet been officially published.
Girlguiding said it made the decision following consultations with members and legal advice, and noted that most adult roles within the organisation remain open to all volunteers. Some adult roles continue to be designated specifically for women.
Sex Matters CEO Maya Forstater said the decision ensures that Girlguiding continues to provide an environment exclusively for girls, while TransActual campaigner Tammy Hymas expressed concern about the exclusion of young trans girls from an otherwise inclusive organisation.