This Morning’s Ashley James resigns as Girlguiding ambassador over trans ban
ITV’s This Morning presenter Ashley James has stepped down from her role as a Girlguiding ambassador with immediate effect, following the organisation’s decision to exclude trans girls from membership.
The announcement came after Girlguiding confirmed on Tuesday that “trans girls and young women, and others not recorded female at birth, will no longer be able to join Girlguiding as new young members.” The policy change, which restricts membership to those defined as female under the Equality Act, was introduced after a Supreme Court ruling earlier this year clarified that sex in law refers to biological sex.
James, a former Rainbow and Brownie herself, expressed her heartbreak in a statement shared on Instagram. “The organisation’s decision to exclude trans girls has devastated me,” she wrote, adding that trans girls “are not a threat to us. They are our sisters.” She described meeting trans girls during her ambassadorial visits as “every bit as bright, joyful and deserving as any other child.”
The broadcaster said she could not continue in her role under the new policy, pledging to “stand with my trans sisters today and always” and to keep campaigning for inclusion. “Inclusion makes us stronger, and I will continue to use my voice to fight for a world where every girl - cis or trans - grows up knowing she belongs,” she concluded.
Girlguiding defended its decision as “difficult” but necessary, citing legal advice and consultation with members.
Comments ()