A volunteer leader with Girlguiding has publicly stated they will not enforce the organization's newly updated policy that restricts membership in its youth groups to those who are "biologically female," effectively excluding transgender girls. The anonymous volunteer, who leads a Brownies unit in England, said that they refuse to "police" children's gender and will welcome any girl who wishes to join.
Policy Shift Follows Legal Ruling
Girlguiding, which oversees groups like Rainbows, Brownies, Guides, and Rangers for members under 18, revised its Equality and Diversity Policy earlier this week. The organization described it as a "difficult decision" made after "detailed considerations" by its executive members, citing the UK Supreme Court's recent judgment on the definition of sex under the 2010 Equality Act. The policy change means membership is now limited based on biological sex at birth.
Volunteer Criticizes Lack of Consultation and Enforceability
The unit leader expressed frustration with the rollout, noting that volunteers were informed via email on the same day the news broke publicly. They claimed there had been no consultation with frontline volunteers and that the communication provided little additional detail. Volunteers are reportedly due to receive further guidance next week but have so far been given no specific instructions on how to implement the ban.
The leader highlighted practical enforcement issues, pointing out that applicants are not required to submit documents like passports or birth certificates, and under-18s cannot obtain Gender Recognition Certificates. Girlguiding itself confirmed it does not know how many transgender individuals are currently in its groups. "The main thing everyone is asking is, where are we going to even start? How is that even enforceable?" the volunteer said.
Contrast with Adult Volunteer Policy and Growing Discontent
The volunteer also noted a contradiction in policy: while trans girls are now barred from youth membership, adult volunteer roles remain open to all genders, as they have been since Girlguiding's founding. They suggested this decision is part of a broader pattern causing a "divide" between the organization's board of trustees and its volunteer base, claiming the board has made a series of unpopular decisions negatively affecting minority members.
In its statement, Girlguiding maintained a commitment to inclusion, pledging to "continue to explore the opportunities to champion this value and actively support young people who need us." Despite this, the volunteer's defiance underscores significant internal dissent and practical challenges as the organization moves to implement its new policy.
