Transgender girls must leave Girlguiding, the organisation has announced, with a deadline set for September 6. This follows the group’s decision in December to restrict membership to girls and young women.
At the time, Girlguiding described the move as a “difficult decision.” It came nearly eight months after the Supreme Court ruled in April 2025 that the terms “woman” and “sex” in the Equality Act 2010 refer to biological women and biological sex. The ruling prompted Girlguiding to review its policies in detail.
Since then, the organisation says it has considered expert legal advice, consulted senior members, young members, its council, and board of trustees. It has determined that trans girls currently in membership can remain until the September deadline. Any trans girl or trans woman volunteering in roles designated for women only must move to positions open to both male and female volunteers by that date.
Girlguiding stated that the period until September 6 is intended to give affected members and their families time to plan, seek support, and decide when they feel ready to leave. Membership in Girlguiding spans ages four to 18, covering Rainbows, Brownies, Guides, and Rangers. There are approximately 300,000 members and 80,000 volunteers in total.
The organisation previously noted it does not collect gender identity information from its members, so it is unclear how many will be affected by this policy change.
The decision is likely to stir debate about inclusion and the interpretation of legal definitions, as Girlguiding balances its traditional structure with changing social and legal contexts. Families, volunteers, and members will now have to navigate these changes over the coming months while the organisation adjusts its programs.
