The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has dropped an inquiry into its Chairwoman after she was accused of ‘attempting to undermine trans rights’.
In May, Channel 4 News reported that Baroness Falkner of Margravine was under investigation following staff allegations of “bullying”, “harassment” and “discrimination”, and claims the EHRC had been “severely politically compromised”.
But after Minister for Women and Equalities Kemi Badenoch ordered an independent review of the handling of the complaints, the EHRC has now closed its inquiry and pledged to address its “process failures”.
‘Unsubstantiated’
Lady Falkner said: “I am grateful to see an end to this investigation into unsubstantiated claims against me. I am also particularly grateful for the support and encouragement I have received, since the investigation into allegations against me was first disclosed.
“I have relished public service all my life and continue to do so with vigour and determination.”
A source close to Mrs Badenoch stated: “Kemi has always been clear that good public servants should not be hounded out of office and she is pleased this process has now concluded.”
Nazi
In April, the EHRC sent a letter to the Government recommending that ‘sex’ in the Equality Act 2010 should be clearly defined as biological sex.
But after the correspondence was published, Lady Falkner was accused of being a Nazi who was dehumanising trans people and was branded “transphobic scum”, “bigot” and “fascist”.
Speaking to The Times, she said she remained determined not to let the criticism distract her, no matter how hard it might be on a personal level.
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