Nearly 150 LGBTQ+ and feminist groups urge MPs to act against anti‑trans “lawfare”

A coalition of nearly 150 LGBTQ+, feminist and human rights organisations has issued an urgent warning to MPs, calling for action to protect inclusive services from what they describe as escalating and costly anti‑trans “lawfare”.

In a letter sent to hundreds of MPs, groups including Womankind Worldwide, International Planned Parenthood Federation, LGBT+ Consortium, Amnesty Feminists, Pride in London and LGBT Foundation joined the Trans+ Solidarity Alliance in demanding stronger safeguards for trans‑inclusive spaces.

The coalition cautioned that, “lawfare against inclusive organisations will continue, whatever the courts decide, with public money and business budgets spent defending against it – unless you act.” They described the current climate as posing an “existential threat” to trans people in the UK.

The letter emphasised that trans‑inclusive practice is already widespread and functioning well across the country. “Trans people being included in services and spaces for their lived gender is the norm up and down the UK,” they wrote, stressing that exclusion remains “the exception – not the rule.”

Hampstead Heath ponds to remain trans-inclusive!

The High Court has refused the anti-trans campaign group Sex Matters permission to challenge trans inclusion at Hampstead Heath ponds. Sex Matters were refused permission on the basis that their challenge was premature, given a consultation being undertaken by the City of London - the results of which, published today,

Scene MagazineGraham Robson

The coordinated appeal follows the recent consultation on the Hampstead Heath swimming ponds, in which nearly 90% of respondents supported keeping the ponds’ existing trans‑inclusive arrangements.

Newly released documents from the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) further indicate that trans inclusion is a priority for the public. The EHRC confirmed that a “key theme” among the more than 50,000 responses to its statutory guidance consultation was strong support for protecting trans‑inclusive services.

However, media reports suggest the EHRC’s internal draft Code of Practice sought to mandate trans‑exclusion in some settings - potentially relying on appearance‑based gender policing. Advocates say this reflects policies seen in the United States, where so‑called “bathroom bans” in several Republican‑led states have caused widespread harm to trans people and anyone who does not conform to gender stereotypes.

The coalition’s letter warns: “‘Bathroom ban’ policies in Trump‑supporting US states have caused untold harm to trans people and to anybody who doesn’t conform to gender stereotypes, without making a single woman safer.”

Sandra Duffy, human rights lecturer and policy advisor to the Trans+ Solidarity Alliance, said the campaign is a response to a rising tide of legal intimidation.

“Excluding trans people does not make any woman safer, and encourages regressive gender policing that hurts us all,” they said. “Without action, we will continue to see inclusive spaces and organisations dragged through the courts and faced with a choice between betraying their values or facing financial ruin.”

Rachel Bottomley, managing director of LGBT Foundation, echoed the concern “We are deeply troubled to see organisations, including charities, being forced to consider exclusionary stances, fearing legal action if they choose to remain trans inclusive,” she said. “Now is a time for real unity – we must leave no one behind in the ongoing fight for equality.”

Labour MP Nadia Whittome publicly backed the campaign, telling The Independent: “We must pressure the government to uphold the rights of our trans constituents and prevent businesses and organisations from being bullied into excluding trans people via legal threats.”

Jessica Fortune, co‑chair of Amnesty Feminists, also warned that silence from lawmakers is no longer an option. “Being silent is not neutral. When gender policing intensifies against trans people, all women are harmed.”