Courts / Dublin / Report

National Women's Council entitled to refuse trans policy protestors, WRC finds

Date
2023-11-11
Stage
Hearing Or Decision
Primary locality
Dublin
County
Dublin

Summary

In a discrimination claim, the Workplace Relations Commission ruled that the National Women's Council of Ireland (NWCI) was entitled to refuse admission to Sarah Holmes and four other protestors at its 2022 AGM. The NWCI cited a "potentially explosive situation" after a press release from the activist group 'The Countess' threatened a transgender board member. The council had warned the hotel, rearranged registration, and escorted a TD and the board member. Witnesses reported that protestors, including Holmes, were vocal and that the council's risk mitigation measures were necessary. Holmes claimed the refusal was religious discrimination, but the tribunal found no discrimination and upheld the council's decision to bar the group. The case was heard behind closed doors, with the tribunal's findings made public.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: National Women's Council entitled to refuse trans policy protestors, WRC finds. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision

When:

Why: Cross-examining the complainant, Ms Ennis, for the NWCI, opened an email from 6 January 2021 sent by Ms Holmes to the non-profit in which she stated: "You have put a man on our board of directors simply because he says he is a woman. CNI source report

Places mentioned

Secondary Mention

Topics

Stage Hearing Or Decision

Related court reports

Read the original CNI report

Correction or retraction request

If a fact, identity, locality or legal outcome needs review, email the newsroom with this report's details prefilled.

Email a correction request