Various women’s groups are expected to protest against the change in rules that will allow anyone who identifies as a woman to swim in the women-only swimming ponds.
The City of London Corporation will introduce the rule after a consultation found majority support for it.
21,000 people were asked whether allowing anyone who identifies as a woman to swim should be enshrined into rules.
It passed but is proving controversial.
Rosa Freedman, a Human Rights lecturer at the University of Reading, said: “This policy is now saying that anyone who identifies as a woman – whether or not they are living as a woman, have made any meaningful commitment to transition, anyone at all can walk into Hampstead Ladies pond.”
She added: “I think there will be direct action.”
The Ladies Pond at Hampstead Heath
Last year, women’s groups protested the potential change in rule by wearing beards and mankinis and occupying the men’s ponds.
She said there might be other forms of direct action being organised as we speak.
Rosa Freedman also noted that legal action is a possibility.
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HeadlineWomen’s groups to protest Hampstead Heath swimming ponds rule change
Short HeadlineWomen to protest swimming ponds rule change
StandfirstThey are unsure whether it will be activism or a legal challenge
Various women’s groups are expected to protest against the change in rules that will allow anyone who identifies as a woman to swim in the women-only swimming ponds.
The City of London Corporation will introduce the rule after a consultation found majority support for it.
21,000 people were asked whether allowing anyone who identifies as a woman to swim should be enshrined into rules.
It passed but is proving controversial.
Rosa Freedman, a Human Rights lecturer at the University of Reading, said: “This policy is now saying that anyone who identifies as a woman – whether or not they are living as a woman, have made any meaningful commitment to transition, anyone at all can walk into Hampstead Ladies pond.”
She added: “I think there will be direct action.”
The Ladies Pond at Hampstead Heath
Last year, women’s groups protested the potential change in rule by wearing beards and mankinis and occupying the men’s ponds.
She said there might be other forms of direct action being organised as we speak.
Rosa Freedman also noted that legal action is a possibility.
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