Over 2,100 parkrunners and supporters rally against legal threat over trans policy

"ADF claims inclusive participation policies breach UK law following the Supreme Court's April 2025 ruling on trans rights. In letters sent to multiple organisations, the group argued that allowing trans people to take part in events in line with their gender identity fails to protect women and girls. The organisation warned it "will not hesitate to pursue all legal remedies" if Parkrun does not change course."

"The backlash has sparked a growing counter-campaign led by the Trans+ Solidarity Alliance, which says anti-trans movements are trying to import "Trump-style politics" into the UK. Supporters are calling on the government to clarify protections for inclusive organisations and resist pressure campaigns targeting trans participation in public life."

"Parkrun has long maintained that its events are "open to all", with policies welcoming trans participants and recording gender rather than sex. As debate over trans inclusion in sport intensifies globally, campaigners say the dispute could have major implications for the future of accessible and welcoming community-led spaces across the UK."

The Alliance Defending Freedom, a legal group known for its role in overturning Roe v. Wade, has sent letters to 10 organisations including Parkrun claiming their inclusive participation policies breach UK law following a Supreme Court ruling on trans rights in April 2025. The group argues that allowing trans people to participate in events according to their gender identity fails to protect women and girls, threatening legal action if policies are not changed. In response, over 2,100 parkrunners and supporters have written to MPs demanding government protection for inclusive organisations. The Trans+ Solidarity Alliance has launched a counter-campaign, characterising the legal threats as attempts to import anti-trans politics into the UK. Parkrun maintains its long-standing commitment to being open to all participants, recording gender rather than sex.

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