<\/p>\n
Trans women will be barred from the main part of Labour\u2019s women\u2019s conference next year, the party has said, with entrance to the main conference hall and voting rights denied.<\/p>\n
All delegates will be allowed to attend a fringe programme, under the party\u2019s plans, as Labour seeks to find a compromise position it believes will comply with the supreme court\u2019s ruling on gender<\/a> \u2013 while also being inclusive to trans delegates.<\/p>\n The decision, first reported by LabourList, means trans women will be barred from voting on policy debates, motions and national women\u2019s committee elections \u2013 and from hearing speeches in the main conference hall.<\/p>\n Alongside the fringe programme, LabourList said a planned evening reception would be open to all \u2013 as will exhibition spaces.<\/p>\n A Labour for Trans Rights<\/a> group spokesperson told LabourList the move was \u201cterrible\u201d, urging the party\u2019s national executive committee to reconsider.<\/p>\n They said: \u201cTrans members are being cut out of the democratic processes of the Labour party when many have given years of service, knocking doors and standing as candidates.\u201d<\/p>\n A spokesperson for the gender-critical group Labour Women\u2019s Declaration<\/a> told the site it welcomed the party deciding to \u201cfollow the law\u201d, but said any single-sex or specifically women-focused workshops should also be organised in line with the Equality Act.<\/p>\n The party cancelled this year\u2019s event, which was due to take place before the party\u2019s annual conference in Liverpool in September, as it awaited full guidance from the equalities watchdog on the supreme court decision.<\/p>\n The Equality and Human Rights Commission\u2019s interim advice<\/a> suggested voluntary organisations should apply the biological women-only rule.<\/p>\n A Labour party spokesperson said: \u201cNational women\u2019s conference will be held in 2026 after a comprehensive legal review. This reflects our commitment to addressing the underrepresentation of women in the party and compliance with the law.\u201d<\/p>\n The former head of the human rights watchdog accused Labour of abandoning women over issues such as gender rights and sex grooming gangs.<\/p>\n