James Esses, trainee psychotherapist, had taken UKCP to court for discrimination against him for expressing gender critical beliefs which led to him being expelled from his psychotherapy training course. (You can get more information about his case here.)
Today Esses announced he had reached a settlement with UKCP and, although he was not able to reveal the terms of the settlement, he was extremely happy with them.
UKCP have also published a formal statement, which reads as follows:
‘UKCP recognises that gender-critical beliefs (that sex is both binary and immutable) are protected under the Equality Act 2010. UKCP also recognises the validity of the professional belief that children suffering from gender dysphoria should be treated with explorative therapy, rather than being affirmed towards irreversible and potentially damaging medical intervention. Psychotherapists and counsellors accredited by UKCP are fully entitled to hold such beliefs and any discrimination against them on this basis, including by UKCP-accredited training organisations, is unlawful.’
UKCP
Esses said: “This is an extremely important statement, which I hope will ensure that what happened to me will never happen to another trainee therapist. It sends a clear message to therapeutic training course providers that if they discriminate against their students for believing in biological reality or child safeguarding, they will be held accountable. ”
Although Esses’ case against UKCP has concluded, he will be continuing his litigation against the Metanoia Institute for expelling him from his Masters’ degree after he spoke out about concerns regarding gender ideology and child safeguarding.
To donate to James Esses’ legal fund for his ongoing litigation against Metanoia, see his case page.
A few weeks before the case settlement the UKCP issued guidance regarding gender critical views.
CANSG has several members who are members of UKCP and wrote to UKCP in November to welcome and support their statement.
