The Equality and Human Rights Commission has unceremoniously dumped Stonewall – and who can blame it? Its excuse for ceasing to pay at least £2,500 a year for the privilege of being part of Stonewall’s ‘diversity champions’ programme was that it did not offer ‘value for money’. For all the anodyne corporate-speak, it seems clear the increasing toxicity of the Stonewall brand played a big part in the decision.
There was another factor in play here too. Interestingly enough, while Stonewall’s stock goes ever downwards, the outlook of the EHRC seems to be changing for the better. Getting shot of Stonewall, despite widespread acceptance of this organisation by public bodies up and down the country, is only one instance.
In April, to everyone’s surprise, the EHCR confirmed that ‘gender critical’ beliefs are protected in law. It said in a statement:
‘We believe it is important that our courts and tribunals continue to robustly protect freedom of religion or belief.’
This was a remarkably conservative move for a body of this type
This was a remarkably conservative move for a body of this type.
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