Police admit mistake in investigating woman’s gender critical posts

Northumbria Police has apologised after investigating a woman for posting her views about the reality of biological sex on social media platform X.

Linzi Smith was told her posts were being investigated as a hate crime, and was subjected to a two-hour police interview. An anonymous complainant told Newcastle United, the football club she supports, that trans people would not feel safe sitting near her, and the club suspended her membership.

She has challenged Newcastle’s decision, and pursued a judicial review against Northumbria Police for openly supporting “trans causes”.

‘Sincere apologies’

The force stated in a letter to Smith: “The service provided by Northumbria Police was not acceptable”, and admitted that she was correct that “the offence for which you were interviewed requires a victim”.

It continued: “There was no victim in this crime and questions surrounding a hypothetical victim are not applicable to the offence of Malicious Communication.”

It added: “The effect of these events to your personal life is neither disputed, nor taken lightly. The investigating officer extends sincere apologies for the situation you have found yourself in.”

‘Vindicated’

Northumbria Police stated that it expects similar cases of alleged hate crime to increase, and that “greater scrutiny” is needed, both “prior to an incident being recorded as a crime and throughout the allocation and investigative process”.

Smith shared that she felt ‘vindicated’ both personally and in her views on gender ideology.

However, she commented: “I can’t help but feel let down and quite frightened that there were so many failings from so many police officers that led to me even finding myself in that situation in the first place”.

‘Unjust investigation’

The Free Speech Union supported Smith throughout the investigation. Its General Secretary, Lord Young, said: “Linzi should never have been investigated for a hate crime for saying trans women aren’t women, any more than she should have been banned from Newcastle games.”

He added: “I’m delighted that Northumbria Police have now admitted their error and apologised and I look forward to Newcastle now lifting its ban.

“No one should be punished by a football club for expressing a point of view that is perfectly legitimate, not remotely hateful and which 99 per cent of the club’s fans agree with.”

The Institute has contacted Newcastle United for comment.