UK: Women’s Institute groups close down after the organization barred transgender women
The Guardian reports that several Women’s Institute (WI) groups across the UK are shutting down following the national organisation’s decision to ban transgender women.
The policy change, introduced by the National Federation of Women’s Institutes (NFWI), has triggered what local leaders describe as “carnage,” with resignations, community backlash, and the loss of meeting venues.
Some halls and churches have refused to host WI groups that enforce the exclusionary rule, leaving branches unable to operate.
Many volunteers have stepped down in protest, arguing that the policy was imposed without meaningful consultation and has fractured previously harmonious local groups.
Emma Hawley, chair of Social Lites WI in Urmston, Greater Manchester – a group with nearly 140 members that has run for 13 years – said her entire committee has decided to step down.
“None of the other members want to take our places – many immediately said they weren’t even going to renew their membership,” she said.
“We’re all heartbroken. I’ve put 13 years into running this amazing group but I can’t, ethically or morally, be a member of something that excludes transgender women,” she said.
This proves what many have said: The transphobic "gender critical" TERFs are not representative of British women.
‘Carnage of concern and upset’: Women’s Institute groups close after transgender ban