Ofcom pulls out of Stonewall diversity programme: Regulator removes support for employers' scheme after charity faced criticism over its position on trans rights
Media regulator Ofcom has pulled out of an employers' programme run by Stonewall after the diversity charity faced growing criticism for its hard-line position on trans rights.
The LGBT group has been at the centre of controversy. Its boss has said believing a person's sex cannot be changed is as bad as anti-Semitism.
Ofcom is understood to have been concerned that its relationship with Stonewall through the scheme could jeopardise its own reputation.
A source said that Ofcom looked at whether its relationship with Stonewall posed 'a conflict or risk of perceived bias', adding: 'Stepping back from the Diversity Champions programme, in light of this, is the right thing to do.'
Media regulator Ofcom has pulled out of an employers' programme run by Stonewall after the diversity charity faced growing criticism for its hard-line position on trans rights
Under the scheme, members pay the charity to examine how they operate, looking at policies such as who can use their toilets and changing rooms or the use of personal pronouns.
Matthew Parris, the journalist and former MP who co-founded Stonewall in 1989, accused it this year of becoming 'tangled up in the trans issue' and 'cornered into an extremist stance'.
Chief executive Nancy Kelley provoked a row after she claimed 'gender critical' beliefs – the belief that a person's biological sex cannot be changed – were like anti-Semitism.
Matthew Parris, the journalist and former MP who co-founded Stonewall in 1989, accused it this year of becoming 'tangled up in the trans issue' and 'cornered into an extremist stance'
Chief executive Nancy Kelley provoked a row after she claimed 'gender critical' beliefs – the belief that a person's biological sex cannot be changed – were like anti-Semitism
The Equality and Human Rights Commission also decided not to renew its membership earlier this year saying it did not constitute best value for money.
Sources at Ofcom said it had now 'laid the foundations' to help it improve support for LGBT colleagues and was confident it could 'move ahead positively' outside the Stonewall scheme.
But it will remain in the charity's Workplace Equality Index, a benchmark tool for employers.
Ofcom is understood to have been concerned that its relationship with Stonewall through the scheme could jeopardise its own reputation. Pictured: Ofcom group director of content and media policy Kevin Bakhurst
Earlier this week, actor Simon Callow criticised the 'extraordinarily unproductive militancy' around Stonewall's position on trans issues.
The veteran gay rights campaigner, 72, who took part in the protests that led to the charity's creation, said Stonewall had taken a 'strange turn to the tyrannical' when it came to self-identification for trans people.
Last night a Stonewall spokesman said: 'We respect Ofcom's decision and will continue to work with them in their role as communication regulator.
'It is sad, however, that involvement in a programme that supports an inclusive workplace for LGBTQ+ employees should be in any way regarded as an unimpartial act.'