Summary of events

Sibyl Ruth is an editor with over 30 years’ experience and was engaged as a “core editor” by Cornerstones Publishing (CP). She holds “gender-critical” beliefs: that a person’s biological sex is unchangeable and sometimes more relevant than their gender identity.

Ruth responded to a tweet featuring a transgender individual, questioning societal attitudes toward gender identity. She noted how women with minor facial hair are criticised while a “five o’clock shadow” could be seen as part of a female identity. Shortly after the tweet, a client project was abruptly terminated and Ruth removed from CP’s website. 

Ruth submitted a subject access request to CP which revealed that staff members had expressed concerns about her tweet along with discussions among employees on how to discontinue Ruth’s work while managing public understanding of their decision. 

Ruth launched legal action against CP, alleging discrimination on the grounds of her gender-critical beliefs and age, asserting that such beliefs are often held by older women. 

Outcome

A settlement (including an apology from CP) was agreed before the claim reached an employment tribunal hearing.

Our case briefings are introductions to cases that concern the conflict between sex-based rights and policies and practices based on gender identity. This information was compiled from public sources, last updated 8th September 2023.