Two Women's Institute branches in Bristol have closed their doors following a national policy change that restricts membership to biological women only. The Longwell Green Women's Institute (LGWI) shut down on 1st April after key committee officers resigned, ending 72 years of operation. The Westbury-on-Trym branch also voted to close in solidarity with the transgender community.
Background of the Closures
The National Federation of Women's Institutes (NFWI) announced in December 2025 that, from April 2026, it would no longer accept transgender women as formal members. This decision came after the UK Supreme Court ruled that 'sex' under the 2010 Equality Act refers exclusively to biological sex, meaning trans women, including those with a Gender Recognition Certificate, are not legally considered women.
Longwell Green WI Closure
Longwell Green WI had been active since 1954, but the resignation of key committee members over the trans ban made it impossible to continue. The branch officially closed on 1st April 2026. The issue is reportedly affecting numerous WI groups across the UK.
Westbury-on-Trym WI Closure
The Westbury-on-Trym branch voted to close 'out of conscience and conviction', according to committee member Frances Riley. She told Bristol247 that members were asked to sign a form confirming they were female, and those who refused were told to resign. The entire committee of eight decided they could not comply with the new policy.
Riley stated: 'The National Federation was very sad to do this because there had been transgender members of the WI for 40 years. But it wasn't a democratic decision. It was suddenly foisted upon us.' She added: 'We don't hate the WI. It's more in sadness than in anger this has happened but it's something that's important to its members.'
NFWI's Response
NFWI chief executive Melissa Green expressed regret over the policy change, noting that the organisation had welcomed transgender women for over 40 years. She said: 'To be able to continue operating as the Women's Institute - a legally recognised women's organisation and charity - we must act in accordance with the Supreme Court's judgment and restrict formal membership to biological women only.'
The NFWI plans to establish a nationwide network of local 'WI Sisterhood groups' offering monthly gatherings for all women, including transgender women, to socialise and share experiences.
Broader Context
The Supreme Court's ruling on the Equality Act has had wide-reaching implications for single-sex organisations. The closures of these two WI branches highlight the ongoing debate around transgender rights and the legal definition of sex in the UK.
