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A controversial feminist group has accused Leeds City Council of 'shameful behaviour' and are waiting for an apology after their event was cancelled at the 11th hour.

Woman's Place UK booked Civic Hall for September 28, so they could host a debate on potential reform of the Gender Recognition Act (2004) and the impact it could have on women.

Changes to the Act make it easier for people to change the gender on their birth certificate.

The group says they were looking to hold a 'peaceful and respectful' debate in Leeds, but they have been accused of promoting transphobic views.

The council decided to cancel the event - just hours before it was due to begin - saying 'in addition to security concerns, we would not want to provide a platform for those using hate speech or expressing views which are transphobic'.

Members of Woman's Place UK were outraged about the way the council handled the situation, and the reason it gave for cancelling the event.

In an open letter to Cllr Judith Blake, the leader of the council, the three co-founders of the feminist group wrote: "It appears that council cancelled the meeting without making any attempt to investigate the untruthful allegations made about our organisation.

"The claim that the council was unaware of the nature of the booking (until September 28) is simply false.

"As already mentioned, it was made clear in April that the booking was for Woman’s Place UK and a number of councillors were aware of the event."

'We look forward to receiving an apology from the council for its shameful behaviour in closing down women's right to speak freely'

The group also say the council did not raise any security concerns until September 28, even though they had requested additional security in June because they were concerned about protesters.

They are now looking to lodge a formal complaint.

The letter states: "Woman’s Place UK exists to give a voice to women concerned about the protection of single-sex spaces.

"At our meetings, we have heard from victims of rape and domestic assault, for whom the existence of a safe single-sex space is paramount.

"Earlier this month we won the Emma Humphreys Memorial Prize, set up to recognise women who work against male violence.

"How shameful that Leeds City Council - in its own words an organisation 'committed to public sector guidelines on equality' - seeks to deny these women a voice."

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It adds: "Despite its claims to support equality, it (the council) has actively discriminated against women, denying them the opportunity to discuss a piece of legislation that directly affects them.

"We look forward to receiving an apology from the council for its shameful behaviour in closing down women’s right to speak freely about matters of deep personal concern to them."

In response, a council spokeswoman said: ""Leeds City Council can confirm it has received a letter from Womans Place UK regarding the cancellation of a meeting at Leeds Civic Hall in September.

"We are currently assessing the points which have been raised, and will respond in due course."

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