On October 11, 2018, Women Speak Tasmania held a street protest calling for a boycott of Girl Guides Australia (GGA). The protest coincided with International Day of the Girl Child and raised concerns about the organisation’s policy change allowing male-bodied people who identify as female to join as members and leaders.
WST argued that this policy was introduced without proper consultation and removes parents’ ability to make an informed choice when seeking an all-female environment for their daughters. Parents and girls will not be advised if a male-bodied person joins their unit, which WST believes undermines the rights of girls to female-only spaces.
The Tasmanian protest echoed controversies in the UK, where Girlguiding faced backlash over similar policies. In 2018, more than 200 current and former leaders and parents signed an open letter opposing the UK policy, warning of safeguarding risks and lack of parental consent. Some leaders who raised objections were expelled, highlighting the depth of division.
GGA, for its part, has defended its Diversity and Inclusion Policy, stating that membership is open to all who identify and live as female, consistent with anti-discrimination laws. Supporters argue the policy affirms fairness and inclusion, while critics say it compromises the organisation’s historic role as a female-only space for girls’ development and safety.
WST has urged GGA to review the policy and conduct a full, transparent consultation with members, parents, and the wider community to ensure that the rights and safety of girls remain at the centre of its mission.