Wiltshire PCC criticises Stonewall trans policy on women-only areas

Philip Wilkinson said he believes passionately in inclusiveness and diversity

A police and crime commissioner has reiterated comments about how trans women should not be allowed to use some women-only spaces.

Wiltshire PCC Philip Wilkinson said there had been "much debate" since he criticised the policies of charity Stonewall.

Being trans is a protected characteristic in law, meaning people cannot be discriminated against.

Stonewall said there was no evidence that inclusion compromised safety.

Mr Wilkinson said he believed in inclusivity and diversity along with trans rights but did not support those "who use their strength to intimidate those less strong".

Wiltshire Police was a member of Stonewall's diversity programme for the last four years, up until this summer.

The charity aims to ensure that all LGBTQ+ staff are accepted in the workplace and added it was "disappointing that in 2021, this can still be thought of as controversial".

According to the Equality and Human Rights Commission, being transgender is a protected characteristic under the Equality Act, meaning organisations and businesses are not allowed to bar anyone from using facilities for their "gender identity" except "in very restricted circumstances".

In a landmark case in 2014, a transgender woman won her claim for discrimination against a pub in Halifax that refused to allow her to use the women's toilets.

Lisa Townsend has accused Stonewall of promoting a dangerous transgender ideology that puts women at risk

Mr Wilkinson initially spoke in support of the PCC for Surrey, Lisa Townsend, who said that Stonewall had become "a well-funded lobby group for a dangerous ideology that threatens the safety of our women and girls".

He said trans people should not be allowed in "private enclosed spaces such as women's prisons and female toilets".

After acknowledging that his comments had angered some, Mr Wilkinson released a further statement saying he believed in inclusivity and diversity and would treat every individual with "care and compassion".

That included people who are experiencing gender issues, are gender fluid or are in transition, he added.

But Mr Wilkinson also said: "But I will not support those who use their strength to intimidate those less strong, or to exploit any circumstances to intimidate or harm others."

'Narrow and exclusive agenda'

In his original statement on the Conservative Home website he said: "Like her [Lisa Townsend], I do not believe that the vast majority of women in this country wish to allow biological men into their private enclosed spaces such as women's prisons and female toilets.

"That is a matter of public security and not inclusiveness. I will not support any organisation that promotes such a narrow and exclusive agenda and if necessary, that includes Stonewall."

A Stonewall spokesman said they were working towards a world in which all lesbian, gay, bi, trans and queer people are able to thrive

Responding to the PCC's remarks, Wiltshire Police said it was committed to increasing diversity within the force.

It added that while it had taken the decision not to renew its membership with Stonewall, it was a member of the Inclusive Companies scheme.

It said: "We are determined to cultivate an inclusive environment which champions the rights of every single officer, staff member and volunteer."

Also commenting on Ms Townsend's remarks, Mark Shelford, the PCC for Avon and Somerset, described the topic as "very complex and sensitive", but said he fully supported her view.

He added: "I have shared my concerns with the temporary chief constable and I will be formally asking Avon and Somerset Police to consider their use of consultation and advisory services from Stonewall when their contract comes up for renewal this October.

"I will ask that they either work with Stonewall to change their policies to better reflect the public's concern regarding the safety of women and girls or end their contract."

'Queer inclusion makes world safer'

The Government Equality Office confirmed The Equality Act protected trans people from discrimination, meaning they can use single-sex spaces in their acquired gender.

But the act also allows for access to be restricted in certain circumstances, for example if a group counselling female victims of sexual assault felt that women would not attend if a transgender woman was there.

A Stonewall spokesperson said: "Trans people are who they say they are, which is why they have always been able to use facilities that match their gender, without issue.

"Our inclusion policies are based on evidence, and there is no statistical evidence to suggest that LGBTQ+ inclusion compromises anyone's safety - in fact the majority of women (66% according to an Equality and Human Rights Commission survey) reported that they were comfortable with trans people using public toilets corresponding to their gender.

"Lesbian, gay, bi, trans and queer inclusion makes the world a safer place for all of us."