WTB Update & Affiliation Guidelines
Statement regarding Women Talk Back! Feminist Society
Bristol Students' Union (the Union) has reached an agreement with Women Talk Back! (WTB!) following a dispute over an internal investigation that culminated in the sanctioning of both WTB! and its President.
In accordance with, and as defined in, the Equality Act 2010, affiliated clubs and societies may lawfully offer single sex services and be constituted as single sex associations, where this is a proportionate means of achieving a legitimate aim, in accordance with the exceptions set out in the Equality Act.
The Bristol Student Union byelaws definition of women is: ‘all who self-define as women, including (if they wish) those with complex gender identities that include ‘woman’, and those who experience oppression as women’. Any club or society wishing to restrict its membership in any way would need to set out any variations from our byelaws and the lawful justification in their constitution using the normal affiliation process. Bristol SU understands that Women Talk Back! was seeking to operate in this way.
WTB! could, should they wish to do so, re-apply for affiliation to the Union on that basis. In doing so, WTB! would set out in their constitution the Equality Act 2010 definition of ‘women’ being ‘a female of any age’ instead of the byelaws definition.
For further guidance on affiliation and reaffiliation, please see the guidance on the Union’s website, which has recently been updated.
The Union is committed to building an inclusive culture and environment, underpinned by respect and compassion - and free of bullying, harassment, victimisation and discrimination. As a charity we are bound to uphold the law and promote freedom of expression. We encourage all our members to make a valuable contribution whatever their background or differences, including sex, belief and gender.
Statement regarding Raquel Rosario Sánchez
Bristol Students' Union (the Union) has reached an agreement with Raquel Rosario Sánchez following a dispute over an internal investigation that culminated in the sanctioning both of her and the society of which she was President, Women Talk Back!.
In accordance with, and as defined in, the Equality Act 2010, affiliated clubs and societies may lawfully offer single sex services and be constituted as single sex associations, where this is a proportionate means of achieving a legitimate aim, in accordance with the exceptions set out in the Equality Act.
The Bristol Student Union Byelaws definition of women is: ‘all who self-define as women, including (if they wish) those with complex gender identities that include ‘woman’, and those who experience oppression as women’. Any club or society wishing to or restrict its membership in any way would need to set out any variations from our byelaws and the lawful justification in their constitution using the normal affiliation process. Bristol SU understands that Raquel Rosario Sánchez was seeking to enable Women Talk Back! to operate in this way.
WTB! could, should they wish to do so, re-apply for affiliation to the Union on that basis. In doing so, WTB! would set out in their constitution the Equality Act 2010 definition of ‘women’ being “a female of any age” instead of the byelaws definition.
For further guidance on affiliation and reaffiliation, please see the guidance on the Union’s website, which has recently been updated.
The Union is committed to building an inclusive culture and environment, underpinned by respect and compassion - and free of bullying, harassment, victimisation and discrimination. As a charity we are bound to uphold the law and promote freedom of expression. We encourage all our members to make a valuable contribution whatever their background or differences, including sex, belief and gender.
