Want the top news headlines sent to your inbox daily? Sign up to our FREE newsletter below Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Northumbria University has defended its decision to allow a controversial group to host a debate on its campus.

The university came under fire on social media for letting Woman’s Place UK to hold a debate discussing proposed changes to the Gender Recognition Act.

The Act will make it easier for transgender people to legally change from their assigned to preferred gender.

But Northumbria LGBT* Society condemned the event, calling on the university to “do better”.

A spokesperson said: “on Thursday, Northumbria University played host to a discussion from a transphobic organisation. We strongly condemn the University’s decision to allow such a group to host a discussion that encourages a divisive and hateful rhetoric.

“Whilst we respect freedom of speech, we believe that freedom of speech does not include inciting hate or division towards a group of people. The university has an obligation to free speech, but they have an exponentially more important obligation to providing their students with a safe and accessible campus and learning environment.

“We believe that students have a right to feel safe on their campus, and that by allowing organisations that would deny the existence of their students to speak on campus, the university is failing their students in a serious way.”

On the Durham LGBT* Association Facebook page, Woman's Place UK was branded an “anti-trans rights organisation” and there were calls for the event to be cancelled.

It added: “As students, we should be able to learn, study and feel safe on campuses which promote inclusion and do not provide platforms for promoting hate and intolerance!”

But Woman’s Place UK strongly refuted any claims it was anti-trans and says it has “legitimate concerns about legislative changes”.

A Northumbria University spokesman said they decided to allow the event to take place because it was their “legal duty to uphold freedom of speech”.

He added: “We can confirm that this external event took place on campus on Thursday evening, which provided an opportunity for constructive and peaceful debate.

“The university considered this request carefully on the basis of our legal duty to uphold freedom of speech.

“A risk assessment was undertaken in line with the university’s visiting and external speakers and events policy. “

Under the policy, speakers and topics considered controversial mist comply with the university’s equality and diversity policy.

They most not unlawfully discriminate, harass or victimise individuals or groups on the grounds of protected characteristic.

Woman’s Place UK says changes to the law could endanger women if non-transitioned trans-women are permitted into female-only safe spaces.

A spokeswoman for Woman’s Place UK said its meetings are open to everyone who wants to engage in respectful evidence-based discussion.

She added: “We are astonished that in 2018 there are attempts to prevent women discussing their legitimate concerns about legislative change that affects them.

“We are saddened that a small number of people chose to protest rather than engage in that discussion, but are very happy that almost 200 people packed the sold-out venue to listen to the speakers and express their own views.”