New policy on transgender children has created controversy

Girlguiding UK has denied it expelled two leaders who raised safeguarding concerns about the organisation’s transgender policy.

Helen Watts, one of 12 leaders who signed a letter asking for a review of the policy, was told on Friday that her membership was being terminated after more than 15 years with the Guides.

At least one other signatory, based in the northwest of England, was expelled alongside Watts.

It is also reported that disciplinary investigations have been launched against at least five Guide leaders.

Since last year the Guides have allowed trans adults who self-identify as women to be Guide leaders and trans children who self-identify as girls to be members.

It means that on camps away children can share lavatories, showers and sleeping accommodation.

Watts, leader of a Rainbows unit for girls aged five to seven in Ealing, said: “The policy puts all leaders in a really difficult position. It contradicts other inclusion policies — for certain faith communities for instance — and it completely contradicts existing policies around informed parental consent.”

However Girl guiding denied they had expelled the leaders for their views.

Girlguiding said: “Two individuals were found to have breached our volunteer code of conduct and social media policy and sanctions have been applied accordingly.”