Detective loses tribunal over trans rights event

A GENDER-critical Croydon-based Metropolitan Police detective who said she felt like "Daniel in the lion's den" at an internal trans rights event has lost her employment tribunal case against the force.

- By GEORGE LITHGOW & TED HENNESSEY

Detective Constable Melanie Newman claimed to have suffered "isolation and dread" after a talk by a trans rights activist who said her "haters" had "twisted and warped" views.

DC Newman said she wanted to challenge what was said but feared being "labelled part of the cult".

After complaining about the event, she began legal action against the force, claiming to have suffered discrimination and harassment because of her beliefs.

But the tribunal dismissed her claims, ruling that the Met was entitled to host the event.

After winning the case, the Met said it demonstrated the "difficulty organisations face in striking the balance" when it comes to trans rights issues.

A South London employment tribunal heard the "Trans Day of Visibility" event was organised for March 2023, and that all staff were invited to join.

It took place in the force's headquarters at New Scotland Yard, with some attendees including DC Newman-joining remotely.