The Green Party is facing the prospect of legal action after a gender-critical campaign group accused it of discrimination over its definition of “queerphobia” and its decision to refuse the group a stall at a recent party conference.
The group, Green Women’s Declaration (GWD), says the party’s guidance on queerphobia effectively labels gender-critical beliefs as discriminatory. Its lawyers argue that the definition directly conflicts with views held by supporters of sex-based women’s rights, and therefore amounts to unlawful treatment under equality law.
Under the party’s guidance, introduced in 2023, queerphobia is defined as prejudice or discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community. The document states that describing trans women as “not real women” is considered transphobic behaviour. It also lists referring to a trans woman as a “biological man” as an example of conduct that may breach party rules.
In a pre-action letter sent to the party last week, GWD claims the policy and its application discriminate against people who hold gender-critical views, which are protected under the Equality Act 2010. The group further alleges that the party’s refusal to allow it a stall at its autumn conference in Bournemouth amounted to a deliberate attempt to silence its members.
The party had initially offered the group space at the event but later withdrew the invitation. In correspondence, the party cited concerns raised by members who described previous interactions with GWD as hostile. The executive committee said it believed there was a risk of confrontational behaviour and that the group’s presence could discourage attendance and affect the inclusivity of the event.
GWD has rejected those claims, insisting its members posed no safety threat. The group argues that the cancellation reflects a pattern of hostility towards gender-critical members and says several of its supporters have faced suspension or disciplinary action within the party.
Jude English, a director of GWD, criticised the decision, alleging that leadership within the party was suppressing women’s voices. She said the organisation had only intended to distribute leaflets and discuss women’s sex-based rights at the conference.
The group’s legal correspondence claims the party has engaged in what it describes as systemic action against members with gender-critical beliefs. It also references past conference motions and disputes involving activists from both sides of the debate.
A Green Party spokesperson said the party aims to be inclusive and welcoming, adding that the decision to decline the stall was made after careful consideration. The party declined to comment further, noting that the matter is now subject to threatened legal proceedings.
The dispute highlights ongoing tensions within political parties over gender identity policies, free speech, and equality law, and could potentially develop into a formal court challenge if unresolved.
