The Labour Party has made a significant decision, announcing that trans women will not be permitted to participate in its upcoming annual women’s conference scheduled for next year. According to the party, only “biological women” will have the right to engage in formal proceedings at the conference, including voting, policy discussions, and attending speeches in the main hall. In contrast, fringe events will remain accessible to individuals of all genders.
This ruling follows a Supreme Court decision earlier in 2023, which clarified that references to women within the context of the Equality Act are to be interpreted as referring to “biological sex.” The Labour Party indicated that this decision represents the least restrictive approach possible while still adhering to legal requirements. The women’s conference was cancelled in 2023 due to concerns over potential legal implications stemming from this Supreme Court ruling.
In a statement, a spokesperson for the Labour Party noted, “National women’s conference will be held in 2026 after a comprehensive legal review. This reflects our commitment to addressing the underrepresentation of women in the party and compliance with the law.”
Reactions to the Decision
The decision has sparked considerable backlash, particularly from the group Labour for Trans Rights. The organization criticized the move as “exclusionary” and called on the national executive committee to revisit the ruling. A representative from the group commented, “It’s terrible that trans women will be excluded from the main business of women’s conference, even if they’re able to access the fringe. Trans members are being cut out of the democratic processes of the Labour Party when many have given years of service, knocking doors and standing as candidates.”
Conversely, the Labour Women’s Declaration welcomed the new policy, although it expressed a preference for a two-day conference instead of the planned single-day event. A spokesperson stated, “As Labour Government ministers have repeatedly stated, organisations should not wait for the EHRC (Equalities and Human Rights Commission) guidance and should take legal advice and implement the Supreme Court ruling immediately. All organisations and Government departments should now follow suit.”
The Labour Party’s decision is emblematic of the ongoing debate surrounding gender identity and women’s rights within the political landscape. As discussions continue, the implications for party unity and representation of diverse voices remain a central concern.
