The Royal College of Psychiatrists will end its affiliation with Stonewall amid concerns over the transgender debate.
College chiefs say they will not renew its membership with the controversial charity when it expires in December.
It is the latest in a line of organisations to distance itself from the LGBT charity because of concerns over a lack of impartiality.
The Telegraph reported that internal disagreements over the college’s stance on transgender issues are behind the separation, with leaders acknowledging the split in opinions in a highly sensitive area.
Writing to members, Sonia Walter, the college chief executive, and Dr Lade Smith, the president, said: ‘Stonewall helped us to become a more inclusive organisation. However, we are acutely aware that there is a risk in being affiliated with an organisation that may speak on matters relating to the professional practice of our members, but over which the college has no direct control.
It is the latest in a line of organisations to distance itself from the LGBT charity because of concerns over a lack of impartiality (file image)
The Royal College of Psychiatrists will end its affiliation with Stonewall amid concerns over the transgender debate
Bosses at the charity Stonewall which campaigns for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights has been criticised by the trans community (File image)
‘The college has evaluated its membership of Stonewall and decided not to renew when it expires in December.’
Stonewall came under fire earlier this year when it initially criticised the independent Cass review, led by paediatrician Dr Hilary Cass, into transgender care for children.
Her report, published this April, took almost four years to produce and found children ‘caught in the middle’ of a toxic row over treatment have been set on a path to irreversible change.
She warned evidence for the use of puberty blockers and hormones relied heavily on ‘shaky foundations’ and associated guidelines were not supported by science.
Fiona McAnena, director of campaigns at human rights charity Sex Matters, said the college’s decision ‘sends a clear message that it is putting evidence and the wellbeing of patients ahead of the demands of trans activist lobbyists’.
Multiple government departments have cut ties with the charity in recent years with concerns first emerging in 2020 about its value to the taxpayer.
Meanwhile, organisations including Sport England, the Equality and Human Rights Commission, the BBC and Channel 4 have followed suit by ending their association.
Kate Barker, chief executive at charity and advocacy group LGB Alliance, said: ‘We are pleased the Royal College of Psychiatrists has seen sense.
‘For years now it has been abundantly clear that Stonewall’s guidance is deeply flawed, representing the law as Stonewall wishes it to be rather than as it is.
‘We are encouraged that professional organisations are increasingly finding the confidence to withdraw from these dubious certifications, especially since the publication of the Cass Review.’
A Stonewall spokesman said: ‘It is common for organisations to reassess whether the programmes they are signed up to meet their current needs.
‘We’re proud to have worked with the Royal College of Psychiatrists and helped them to be ranked 90th top employer in the UK for LGBTQ+ inclusivity.
‘We look forward to continuing to work with them on other policy areas and are pleased they remain committed to fostering an inclusive workplace for all their staff.’
