Feminist writer: ‘Mermaids has a history of endangering and sexualising children’

A high-profile feminist writer has blasted the trans-activist group Mermaids for endangering children by appointing “a child abuse apologist” as a trustee.

Writing on the UnHerd website, Julie Bindel called for Mermaids to be immediately shut down following the recent resignation of the trustee Dr Jacob Breslow over revelations that he had promoted paedophilia.

In 2011, Dr Breslow delivered a paper that attempted to normalise sexual acts with children and Bindel contended that there is “ample evidence” he has only “strengthened his views” since then.

‘Disturbing’

The feminist argued that Mermaids’ appointment of Dr Breslow further illustrates its “history of disregarding the safety of children — and promoting an ideology that sexualises them”.

She explained that the group falsely claims that puberty-blocking drugs are “harmless and totally reversible”, promotes “disturbing gender ideology to young children in schools” and “justifies sending breast binders to 13-year-old girls without their parents’ consent, despite being fully aware of the damage they can cause”.

She also warned that Mermaids’ dogma is part of a wider ideology which “dictates the mission of far too many charities and institutions that are supposed to protect children.

“This ideology tears down boundaries between the adult and the child, and dismisses safeguarding put in place by those of us who fight night and day to end child sexual abuse and exploitation. It cannot be allowed to corrupt all of society.”

‘Radical agenda’

A Daily Telegraph editorial agreed with Bindel, saying “too many organisations” have “uncritically swallowed a radical agenda promoted by a tiny minority.

“They have been backed in this by politicians and regulators who have been far too slow or craven to question whether bodies such as Mermaids should have any public role at all.”

Last month, the Charity Commission launched an investigation into Mermaids’ activities following revelations that the group had been sending chest binders to girls as young as 13 without their parents’ knowledge.

The National Lottery Community Fund, which was due to continue with its payment of a £500,000 grant to the group, has stated that it has paused its funding until the investigation is concluded.