"National Federation of Women's Institutes (NFWI) CEO Melissa Green announced in December 2025 that from April 2026 onwards the 110-year-old women's rights organisation would only accept members on the basis of "biological sex" and no longer offer formal membership to trans women."
"The decision was made in response to the controversial Supreme Court judgement in the case of For Women Scotland vs Scottish Ministers - which in April 2025 decided the protected characteristic of "sex" for the purposes of the 2010 Equality Act means "biological sex" only and does not include trans people."
"At the time, Green acknowledged members would likely find the change "extremely painful", adding officials had been actively seeking alternative pathways. "Our activity outside of formal membership has always and will continue to play a vital role in creating welcoming spaces where all women can come together to learn, share ideas, and work together to improve lives in our communities," Green said. "We remain absolutely committed to delivering on that mission.""
The National Federation of Women's Institutes announced that from April 2026 formal membership will be limited to individuals defined by biological sex, excluding trans women. The change followed the Supreme Court's April 2025 judgment in For Women Scotland vs Scottish Ministers, which stated that the protected characteristic "sex" under the 2010 Equality Act means biological sex only and does not include trans people. The Equality and Human Rights Commission drafted Code of Practice updates recommending exclusion of trans people from single-sex spaces, drawing criticism from legal experts and human rights groups. Several WI branches have suspended activities; officials say non‑membership activities will continue.
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