Employment Tribunal Backs Former Edinburgh Rape Crisis Worker Over Gender Row
Roz Adams, ex-employee at Edinburgh Rape Crisis Centre (ERCC), has won a landmark employment tribunal. She claimed she was unfairly dismissed after facing harassment for her gender-critical views. The tribunal agreed, ruling ERCC discriminated against her because of her beliefs.
From Inclusion Supporter to Whistleblower
Adams joined ERCC in 2021 eager to support trans inclusion. She held what the tribunal called “generally trans-positive but also sex realist” views. That means she accepted gender identity but insisted biological sex matters—especially in a rape crisis setting.
ERCC Management Rejects Biological Sex
Problems arose when Adams clashed with senior ERCC staff who rejected the idea of biological sex. They endorsed the belief that anyone could self-identify as a woman. This stance shaped ERCC policies, sidelining biological females and causing concern among victims.
In 2021, ERCC appointed Mridul Wadhwa, a trans woman without a Gender Recognition Certificate, as CEO. Legally male, Wadhwa’s appointment sparked outcry. Survivors and critics argued a women-only rape centre should be led by biological women.
Women Denied Female-Only Care, Claims Adams
ERCC reportedly turned away women seeking female-only counselling. It refused to refer them to Beira’s Place, which offers female-only services. Adams raised concerns internally about ambiguous answers given to victims about the sex of their counsellors.
Kafkaesque Disciplinary Process and Tribunal Win
Adams endured a gruelling nine-month disciplinary hearing, accused of “transphobia.” The tribunal labelled the process Kafkaesque and ruled it unlawful harassment leading to constructive dismissal.
“This ruling is a victory for all survivors who need a genuine choice of support worker based on sex,” Adams said.
The case could have wider implications for single-sex services and the rights of women and survivors in the UK.
