Recourse for being banned from a help group for stating sex is real

[lifeturnsonadime]

I'm posting this thread because this has now happened to me. I don't think there is any recourse but just want to check with people who know.

A group set up to support parents whose children need alternative provision at school because of SEN or other reasons posted an advert for a TRA webinar.

I expressed concerns that this was not in the ethos of the group as it is a political position which removes the rights of female children and women.

I was then immediately removed from this support group, and have subsequently found I am not the only person for being 'transphobic and a terf'.

The founder has a male child who trans identifies.

This is a really key group for support in an area which impacts families with children who may be disabled. I think it's dreadful to be 'removed' for having completely lawful (Forstarter) views.

Is there any recourse?

The only platform for accessing the paid for services is facebook afaik.

OP I can understand how you feel upset for others too, it really is said that the services cannot be accessed in any other way. Usually there is some external link, but I guess that gives the owner the ability to pick and choose.

Also the point you made about autistic girls being non girls is a really good way of putting it. How do people know what their gender identity is without relying on gender stereotypes, it's impossible and autistic girls are in danger because of this.

@Doona sorry if I sounded a bit sharp, I was trying to articulate my frustration.

@FemaleAndLearning you didn't seem sharp. It was a fair point, and I hadn't thought about it that way before so thanks for explaining.

"The only platform for accessing the paid for services is facebook afaik."

This suggests to me (not a lawyer!) that they are a privider. The person sells something. They have blocked your ability to buy that thing because of your beliefs. They discriminate against potential customers based on belief.

It might not be what you want to do, but pointing out that this opens them up to litigation could make them reassess their moderation policy, or allow direct access to the product without going through the fb group - ie advertising it some other way.

If what they are selling is membership of the online community that they steward alongside the product, then maybe chucking you out of the fb group is covered by the EA in itself.

This suggests to me (not a lawyer!) that they are a privider. The person sells something. They have blocked your ability to buy that thing because of your beliefs. They discriminate against potential customers based on belief.

Yes this is what I think , I'm not sure how I'd go about complaining seeing as I'm now blocked.

I'm also not a lawyer, but agree with Manderleyagain that if they are providing a service, and are denying you that service because of your beliefs, surely they are in breach of the EA.
Can you just set up another facebook account and contact them? If they are not helpful, I think you should seek legal advice - definitely try and fight it.

DrDinosaur good idea. I'll see if I can get information that way.

Well in short it isn't a 'support group for parents', it's a group for those who are parents with a specific political belief, and it's exclusionary to those outside this partisan and rather controversial politics, viewing dissenters as heretics.

Clear marketing should probably be required, plus that they are exclusionary on grounds of belief and not for everyone. Which is fine, whatever floats the boat, other groups will be needed that can manage a bit more tolerance and inclusivity.

You could get some advice from one of the campaign groups with lawyers on board before you do anything. Eg. Sex Matters, or Free Speech Union?