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Mermaids’ appeal against the LGB Alliance’s charity status: Day 1

The hearing of Mermaids versus the Charity Commission regarding the status of the LGB Alliance began today with a two-minute silence to mark the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

The judges decided on a number of administrative matters to do with the rest of the hearing. 

It was decided that no witnesses would be called today (Friday 9 September) due to the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. 

The judges also decided that attendees can livetweet a factual account of the proceedings. 

Mermaids’ barristers took the court through a summary of the issues to be decided. 

These are: 

  • What is the purpose of the LGB Alliance? 
  • Is that purpose charitable? 
  • Is that charitable purpose beneficial?
  • Is that charitable purpose beneficial to the public? 
  • Is that a big enough section of the public? 
  • What is the effect of the charitable registration of LGB Alliance on Mermaids? 

The Charity Commission stated they will assist the Tribunal on the relevant charity law but won’t engage in disputing the facts of the case. 

The barristers for the LGB Alliance highlighted to the court that it may be necessary to determine points of Equality Law where appropriate in the case. 

Witnesses will begin to be cross examined from 10am on Monday. We’ll update supporters accordingly. 

Notes to editors

1. Read the appeal grounds in full as filed here as well as the supporting documents here. 

2. Mermaids is a UK-wide charity (registered charity number 1160575) supporting transgender, non-binary and gender-diverse children, young people, their families and professionals involved in their care. Our goal is to create a world where gender-diverse children and young people can be themselves and thrive. Services include a helpline, web chat and online forums for parents and young people, as well as face-to-face meet-ups for peer support. We also provide training to organisations and advocate for a fairer society for trans young people.

3. The appeal is being supported by a number of leading organisations, including Good Law Project, the LGBT+ Consortium, LGBT Foundation, Gendered Intelligence and TransActual.

4. This appeal is being crowdfunded.

5. Any media enquiries should be directed to [email protected].