The Royal College of Psychiatrists is to end its affiliation with Stonewall amid concerns over the transgender debate.
College principals say they will not renew their membership of the controversial charity when it expires in December.
It is the latest in a series of organizations to distance themselves from the LGBT charity over concerns about a lack of impartiality.
The Telegraph reported that internal disagreements over the university’s stance on transgender issues are behind the split, with leaders acknowledging the division of opinion in a highly sensitive area.
Writing to members, Sonia Walter, chief executive of the university, and Dr Lade Smith, president, said: ‘Stonewall has helped us become a more inclusive organisation. However, we are very aware that there is a risk in being affiliated with an organization that can speak on matters relating to the professional practice of our members, but over which the college has no direct control.
It is the latest in a series of organizations to distance themselves from the LGBT charity over concerns about a lack of impartiality (file image).
Royal College of Psychiatrists to end affiliation with Stonewall amid concerns over transgender debate
Bosses at the charity Stonewall, which campaigns for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights, have come under fire from the trans community (File Image)
“The university has evaluated its Stonewall membership and decided not to renew it when it expires in December.”
Stonewall came under fire earlier this year when it initially criticized the independent Cass review, led by pediatrician Dr Hilary Cass, into the care of transgender children.
Their report, published in April, was almost four years in the making and found that children “caught in the middle” of a toxic dispute over treatment have been put on the path to irreversible change.
It warned that the evidence on the use of puberty blockers and hormones was largely based on “shaky foundations” and the associated guidelines were not backed by science.
Fiona McAnena, director of campaigns at human rights charity Sex Matters, said the university’s decision “sends a clear message that it is putting evidence and the welfare of patients before the demands of trans activist lobbyists”.
Several government departments have cut ties with the charity in recent years and concerns were raised in 2020 about its value to the taxpayer.
Meanwhile, organizations such as Sport England, the Equality and Human Rights Commission, the BBC and Channel 4 have followed suit and ended their partnership.
Kate Barker, chief executive of the LGB Alliance charity and advocacy group, said: “We are pleased that the Royal College of Psychiatrists has come to its senses.
‘It has been abundantly clear for years that Stonewall’s guidance is deeply flawed and represents the law as Stonewall wishes it to be and not as it is.
“We are encouraged that professional organizations are finding more and more confidence in withdrawing from these dubious certifications, especially since the publication of the Cass Review.”
A Stonewall spokesperson said: ‘It is common for organizations to reassess whether the programs they have signed up for meet their current needs.
‘We are proud to have worked with the Royal College of Psychiatrists and helped them rank 90th among the UK’s top employers for LGBTQ+ inclusion.
“We look forward to continuing to work with them in other policy areas and are pleased that they remain committed to fostering an inclusive workplace for all their staff.”