- Breastfeeding organization La Leche League GB in row over trans women’s policy
Britain’s oldest breastfeeding charity has called in regulators over claims of ‘harassment and bullying’ over a policy to include trans women in meetings.
Directors of La Leche League GB (LLLGB) have called on the Charity Commission to intervene over an inclusivity policy that allows biological males.
The majority of the charity’s board of directors has objected to transgender women attending the meetings.
Directors have expressed concern that the diktat from the global organization – based in the US – could mean volunteers are also forced to provide advice to trans women who want to breastfeed.
But a minority of board members have tried to implement the inclusion policy and have brought in LLL International as a backup.
Britain’s oldest breastfeeding charity has called in regulators over claims of ‘harassment and bullying’ over a policy to include trans women in meetings (stock image)
Meetings are currently women-only and LLLGB directors have resisted attempts to admit men.
The dispute has become so heated that six of the twelve board members have sent a complaint, threatening them with expulsion.
A serious incident report has now been sent to the Charity Commission, which will decide whether to investigate.
The report, seen by the Mail, warns of an exodus of volunteers if the charity’s international parent organization forces the policy on them. It also warned that women in need of support would be excluded from attending meetings if trans women were present.
The report said: ‘Opening meetings to men (of any gender identity) would exclude a significant number of our beneficiaries, namely mothers.
‘During meetings they show their breasts and share intimate experiences. Most feel comfortable in the presence of other mothers; Many will not breastfeed around men, whether for religious reasons, modesty, previous (or current) experiences with male violence, or ‘just’ discomfort.
‘Leaders are all volunteer mothers who have experience with the ‘normal course of breastfeeding’.
Directors of La Leche League GB (LLLGB) have called on the Charity Commission to intervene over an inclusivity policy allowing biological males (stock photo)
“We believe that pushing to open meetings to men and supporting men to breastfeed will push many leaders to leave.
“After the most recent election of trustees, a minority of trustees started. . . to thwart the majority in discussing these issues. The result is a culture of censorship, intimidation and bullying.”
The row reflects a broader action by LLL International, which is being interpreted as undermining women’s rights.
A spokesperson for the Charity Commission said: ‘We are assessing the information to determine whether this is a matter in which the Commission should be involved as a regulator.’
LLL International was contacted for comment.