Tribunal dismisses Peggie’s complaints against nursing union

An employment tribunal has dismissed all three complaints Sandie Peggie brought against the Royal College of Nursing, finding the union did not directly discriminate against her because of her protected belief about biological sex. The 37-page ruling accepted that Peggie’s belief that biological sex is immutable is protected under the Equality Act 2010. But the tribunal concluded the belief did not influence the decisions made by union officials, either consciously or subconsciously, and dismissed her complaints. Peggie’s claims concerned the union’s handling of advice about possible discrimination claims, its refusal to fund legal representation for a second tribunal case, and its response to requests for assurances about single-sex changing facilities. The tribunal found that RCN representative Stuart Fraser acted in line with normal procedures. It also accepted the union’s decision not to provide legal support for the second case because Peggie had already instructed independent lawyers and the claim did not fall within the union’s rules. On the facilities issue, the tribunal found that union official Gillian Tait contacted the health board to seek relevant assurances....