Transgender girls told to leave Girlguiding groups by September

The UK’s Girlguiding organisation has announced that transgender girls will be required to leave the group by September. This decision follows a 2025 Supreme Court ruling which defined “sex” as biological sex within equality law. As a result, Girlguiding states it must align its membership policies accordingly. The organisation has set a deadline of 6 September for transgender members to depart, and volunteers who are transgender and currently in women-only roles will be asked to move to roles open to all volunteers.

Girlguiding has emphasized that the transition period until September is meant to give affected members and their families sufficient time to prepare, access support, and decide when to leave the organisation. The group has said it does not have data on the number of transgender members affected, as it does not collect information on gender identity. The decision was made to ensure that the organisation operates lawfully and complies with its governing charity documents, which define eligibility for membership.

Campaigners have responded strongly to the announcement. The Trans+ Solidarity Alliance described the move as “heartbreaking” for children and criticised it as evidence of inclusive organisations being pressured into excluding people. Conversely, Sex Matters, a sex-based rights group, supported Girlguiding’s decision. Its director of advocacy, Helen Joyce, stated, “This news will come as a relief to many girls and their parents, who greatly value single-sex provision.” There were demonstrations outside Girlguiding’s London headquarters following the initial announcement.

Girlguiding caters to girls aged from four to 18, with approximately 300,000 members across its various sections—Rainbows, Brownies, Guides, and Rangers—and around 80,000 volunteers. Since the Supreme Court ruling in 2025, the organisation has been consulting with charities and other groups to help manage the implications of the decision. Girlguiding has called for clear, practical guidance from the Equality and Human Rights Commission that considers the perspectives of young people and volunteering organisations. It reiterated its commitment to supporting the rights, safety, and dignity of girls and women, while also standing with marginalised communities, including LGBTQ+ individuals

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