The High Court has refused permission to the transphobic group Sex Matters, who wanted to challenge trans inclusion at Hampstead Heath ponds.

This decision is a major setback for Sex Matters, which raised more than £65,000 to try and force the pond to ban trans people, trying to go against regular swimmers. More than 32,000 people said they wanted the ponds to remain trans inclusive – 86% of the respondents to the consultation by the City of London, published today. This followed previous votes overwhelmingly supporting trans pond users, and a petition with over 14,000 signatures asking to keep the ponds inclusive.

Sex Matters were refused permission on the basis that their challenge was premature, given the ongoing consultation.