Quaker was accused of “destroying” her reputation as a pioneer in women’s rights and refusing to provide women with separate toilets.
The Quaker in Britain said that although the Supreme Court ruled that the term “sex” in the “equal law” refers to biological sexual behavior rather than gender identity, its toilets will remain “transgender.”
It said it did not want to monitor who uses its facilities, adding: “We cannot guarantee that any shared space is exclusive to a group of people.”
The Quakers were famous for their progressive attitudes toward women, allowing them to preach as early as the 17th century.
But Helen Joyce, director of sexual behavior advocacy for women’s rights, said they seem to have abandoned the legacy by adopting “textbook trans activism.”
“The early Quakers would be famous for supporting women's rights – if they could see the destruction of this proud legacy, they would certainly be shocked and ashamed.”
“Controversial and legally challenged”
The Supreme Court ruled last month that trans women were not legal women and clarified that the term “sex” in the Equality Act refers to biological gender rather than gender identity.
The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) then provided temporary guidance to the organization, highlighting that in places such as hospitals, shops and restaurants, “transgender women (biomale) should not be allowed to use women’s facilities”.
By judgment, more and more public institutions have changed their guidance. The Football Association said it could ban the sports of trans women.
However, other organizations, including the Parliament Building, are awaiting final guidance from the EHRC.
Quaker's statement in the UK dismissed the EHRC's interim guidance, which “beyond the scope and actual statements of the Supreme Court's ruling”.
“This is already controversial and legally challenged,” said record salesman Paul Parker.
He said the faith groups will “welcome and confirm the trans and non-binary people of the Quaker”, adding: “We must respect the dignity of everyone living with integrity, which is brought about by the authenticity of their life experience.”
“This is the request of love”
Like Stonewall, Mr. Parker said the Supreme Court’s decision had no “legal force”.
“Although the EHRC recently issued guidance, it is currently only temporary guidance. This is not layoffs and therefore has no legal effect,” the document states. “We believe that equality acts themselves are the main legal guide when making decisions.
“Supervising who uses our facilities, therefore there is no guarantee that any shared space is a unique space for a group of people.
The meeting minutes read: “The rights and inclusion of those who belong to our communities and those who use our buildings are not, nor should they be, just toilets. We will continue to work to make our corner of heaven on Earth a more welcome and accessible place. It is a need for love.”
The Quaker in the UK also pointed out that all public facilities are “transgender” in its main building, the main buildings of the French house in London.
A spokesperson said: “The toilets marked with the “female” are intended for use in cis women, trans women, as well as non-binary and bisexuals, for which the toilets are best kept in line with their life experiences.
“The toilets marked with the ‘male’ logo are intended for use in cis men, trans men, and non-binary and bisexuals, for which the toilets are best kept in line with their life experience.”
“The inverted vision of equality”
Ms Joyce said: “The Quaker announcement will continue to allow the use of female facilities across identifying men is textbooks across activism. This is also a violation of the law. The organization is a wise and wise move.
“Seeking ways to mark toilets and locker rooms as men and women is not 'inclusive' to avoid monitoring people to comply with common sense rules that protect all. It makes the desires of those seeking to transcend the most vulnerable needs.
“This is an inverted vision of equality, integrity and truth. By defiance of the Supreme Court in the UK and the removal of protections for women and girls, Quakers exert legal risks and demonstrate a lack of care and responsibility in their pursuit of fashion dogma.”
A spokesperson for Quaker UK said: “Our facilities are legally in line with the law. Quaker UK welcomes and confirms transgender and non-binary people in all Quaker spaces. Our values of equality and integrity guide every decision we make.
“It will not be required to disclose or prove all aspects of their identity in a manner not requested from Cisgender persons, without trans, non-binary or m-gender Quaker, staff or service users. We do not seek to monitor who uses our facilities and do not believe we may be possible or wish to do so.
“We have independent facilities that are available as a single gender space for all building users. We are committed to taking powerful and proactive steps to ensure that all of our spaces remain safe, inclusive and free of harassment or misconduct.”
