Survivors Network, which supports survivors of sexual violence and abuse, is facing a legal challenge over its trans inclusive policies.
The claimant is alleging that the Sussex based charity is in breach of equality legislation by including trans women in women only support groups.
To counter the allegation the rape crisis centre charity is being represented pro-bono by legal firm Reed Smith.
The charity said that “trans-inclusive feminism is central to our ethos” and its work to support survivors of abuse “of all ages and genders”.
It said: “We are disappointed to share that we have recently had legal action taken against us due to our trans-inclusive ethos. The claimant alleges that we have broken equalities law as (they allege) it is not legitimate or proportionate to welcome trans women into our women-only spaces.
“We wholeheartedly disagree and we will be vigorously defending the allegations.”
We are disappointed to share that we have recently had legal action taken against us due to our trans-inclusive ethos.
— Survivors' Network (@SurvivorsnetBtn) May 4, 2022
We want to reassure you that we are still here for you. 💜 If you have any questions, please email info@survivorsnetwork.org.uk https://t.co/1rj058kWvA pic.twitter.com/xCRFI9e2YJ
The charity also assured its supporters and beneficiaries that “we want to reassure all of our current survivors and anyone seeking support that we are still here for you”.
“Our services will continue to be here for you, just as they have been since we started out over thirty years ago. We know that this might feel unsettling, but we’ve got you,” it added.
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