Girlguiding and the Equality Act

I can disagree wholeheartedly with Girlguiding's decision that their membership will be restricted to girls, as defined in the Equality Act - while also feeling empathy, both for those impacted by the decision AND for those leading the organisation.

Last month, The Times reported recently that the organisation was being threatened with legal action by a mother alleging that its previous policy of inclusion, in place since 2017 "exposes girls to harassment."

The statement issued by Girlguiding, authored by its CEO, Chair and Chief Guide references April’s Supreme Court ruling relating to sex and gender as the reson for this change of policy, but clearly the pre-action letter, issued by this parents' lawyers is at least part of the reason. The Board will have been weighing up the risks to the organisation, both of the legislation and this potential legal case. 

The statement refers to Girlguiding's governing charity documents, that state that the membership and and people who benefit from the organisation are girls and women - and this is the crucial bit for me. Current UK legislation is forcing them into a corner here - refusing to acknowledge the nuance, exploration and diversity of human experience. 

Like I say, I disagree with the decision they came to - it is devastating to many parents and children, who are already feeling marginalised and discriminated against. This is such a divisive issue in UK society currently, unlike many other cultures across the globe. The are are some powerful and wealthy people actively challenging organisations like Girlguiding.

From a crisis and issues perspective, I'm puzzled:

• There are two statements available - one much more expansive about how uncomfortable Girlguiding are about making the decision, one much less so.

• Both statements refer to a further decision next week as, "there will be no immediate changesfor current young members".

Given that they have made this decision public now and are facing an (understandably) strong reaction as a result, what's the plan for next week? In what way does dividing the two announcements improve things?