The UK's Girlguiding organization has announced it will no longer admit transgender girls as new members. The decision means that individuals recorded as male at birth who identify as girls will not be able to join.

Girlguiding stated the change follows a Supreme Court ruling earlier this year, which clarified that the term "sex" in equality law refers to biological sex. The trustees described it as a "difficult decision" made with a "heavy heart" and said further details regarding current members will be announced later.

The organization, which includes Rainbows, Brownies, Guides, and Rangers, has approximately 385,000 participants across the UK aged four to 18. A spokesperson confirmed: "From today (2 December) trans girls and young women, and others not recorded female at birth, will no longer be able to join Girlguiding as new young members." While there will be no immediate changes for existing youth members, more information is expected next week.

Girlguiding emphasized that it does not collect data on gender identity, so the direct impact of the rule change is unclear. The trustees acknowledged the decision may cause upset, reiterating that the organization "believes strongly in inclusion" and will continue supporting marginalized groups.

The legal context stems from the 2010 Equality Act, which allows single-sex organizations to exclude members of the opposite biological sex. This interpretation was reinforced by April's Supreme Court ruling.

The organization stated its decision came after consulting members and receiving legal advice, noting that its governing documents specify that its beneficiaries are girls and women. Reports suggest Girlguiding faced potential legal action from a parent who believed it was not complying with the law.

Under the new policy, biological girls who identify as boys may still join. Most adult volunteer roles remain open to all, and the organization said it is "confident that no volunteers will have to leave," though some specific roles are designated for women.

Responses to the decision have been divided. Maya Forstater, CEO of the women's rights charity Sex Matters, supported the move, stating Girlguiding did the "right and only thing" to provide a space exclusively for girls. In contrast, Tammy Hymas of TransActual said it was "awful" that an inclusive organization was "being forced to exclude young trans girls."

Update: 03/12/2025

Since posting this article, a petition has been started to urge the Girl Guides to reverse their decision. You can read more about it here:

https://www.change.org/p/allow-transgender-women-and-girls-back-into-girlguiding-uk