Amnesty International UK Withdraws Briefing That Listed Beira's Place Among Anti-Rights Groups

The BBC reported that Amnesty International UK has temporarily withdrawn a briefing titled "A Growing Threat: The Anti-Rights Movement in the UK" after it listed Beira's Place among 117 groups characterised as part of an anti-rights movement. The briefing, published last week, described the Edinburgh centre as a gender-critical organisation.

Beira's Place was established in 2022 by JK Rowling and other campaigners to provide sexual violence support services to women.

Amnesty International UK stated that the briefing was uploaded without going through established internal review processes. In a statement the organisation said its use of language does not reflect the position of Amnesty International UK, which is why it was promptly removed, and added that it remains committed to defending human rights, including both the rights of women and the rights of trans people.

The report also addressed the UK Supreme Court ruling that "woman" refers to biological sex for the purposes of equalities law, stating that the decision had contributed to a significant decline in protection for LGBT+ rights.

The case leading to the ruling was brought by For Woman Scotland. Lesley Johnston, chief executive of Beira's Place, said the description was inexplicable and deeply offensive to staff who support survivors and to the women who use the service. For Woman Scotland has called for an apology and for the report to be withdrawn permanently.

Rowling, a survivor of domestic violence, set up and funded the centre after a dispute over management at the Edinburgh Rape Crisis Centre, seeking to offer women-centred care.