Politics & Council · Bristol
Bristol City Council apologises and lifts ban on gender-critical campaigners
By Swindon Now Editorial Team · Published
Bristol City Council has settled a legal challenge by rescinding bans on two campaigners and updating its trans inclusion policy to recognise gender-critical beliefs.
Bristol City Council has issued an apology and withdrawn allegations against two campaigners who were previously barred from attending council meetings at City Hall. The settlement follows a legal challenge brought against the local authority by Dr Phoebe Beedell and Wendy Stephenson, members of the Women of Wessex group.
The dispute began in 2025 after the two women attended full council meetings to raise questions regarding the council's policy on transgender issues. During these sessions, the presence of the campaigners led to some councillors walking out, while others held up placards in the chamber. Following an incident outside the council chamber, the women were issued with six-month bans from attending future meetings, and Ms Stephenson was removed from her position on the council's Independent Remuneration Panel.
In a formal statement issued following the legal action, the council admitted that the process leading to the exclusions was inadequate. The authority stated that it should have conducted a proportionate investigation, informed the women of the allegations against them, and provided a meaningful opportunity for them to respond before taking action.
The council clarified: The council does not maintain, and will not repeat or rely upon, allegations that Dr Beedell or Ms Stephenson acted in a threatening, abusive, disorderly or intimidating manner towards councillors on 4 November 2025.
Furthermore, the council has rescinded the six-month exclusions, confirming they will not be used as evidence of misconduct in the future. It also acknowledged that Ms Stephenson’s removal from the Independent Remuneration Panel was not a reflection of her integrity or suitability for public roles.
As part of the settlement, Bristol City Council has revised its Trans Inclusion and Gender Identity Policy. The updated policy explicitly recognises that individuals holding gender-critical beliefs are protected from discrimination under the Equality Act 2010. The council has committed to ensuring that future responses to manifestations of these protected beliefs will be conducted lawfully and proportionately.
Dr Beedell, a retired academic, welcomed the result, stating: Whatever their views, members of the public must be able to scrutinise policy, question elected representatives and disagree with the current dogma without fear that they will be vilified and shut out.
The council’s monitoring officer is now set to introduce a new procedure for any future cases where the authority might seek to exclude a member of the public from a meeting, ensuring that residents are given proper notice and a fair opportunity to contest any allegations.
Source: Bristol Post · View original