Feminist forum axed in row over transsexuals ban

A row has erupted between transsexual activists, men’s rights extremists and a radical women’s group over plans to hold an international feminist conference at the London Irish Centre.

The RadFem event was to be held at the Camden venue next month but the centre has cancelled the booking after protests and alleged threats to staff.

All sides have accused each other of intimidation and harassment, with one of the conference organisers claiming that she is living in fear of her life.

The clash is over RadFem’s decision to bar men and male-to-female transsexuals. Opponents are also angry at the inclusion of speakers, such as the US lawyer Cathy Brennan, who strongly oppose accepting transsexual women within the feminist movement.

Conference organisers have accused transsexual activists of colluding with extreme men’s rights groups to disrupt the event. Last year the Conway Hall cancelled RadFem’s conference booking, citing equality rules. Now the Irish Centre has “released” RadFem from its booking for the three-day conference.

Commercial boss Neil Preston said: “We are not equipped to deal with this. We didn’t decide on the grounds anyone was being discriminated against.”

A RadFem spokeswoman, who refused to give her name, said: “We cannot comment as there is an ongoing investigation into harassment and intimidation.”

Andy Thomas, from the Men’s Rights Action group, said: “We haven’t threatened or intimidated anyone. RadFem’s people are extreme and what they say is extremely intimidating to men. We don’t want to shut conferences but we don’t think people should be able to say such things without a challenge.”

The Met said: “There was an allegation of harassment. It was decided that this did not constitute harassment. Advice was given to the woman. There was no further police investigation.”

In a new twist, the RadFem website said the centre “acted unlawfully” in cancelling the booking. It insists the event will be held there but it is thought organisers are seeking a new venue.