A feminist conference in Brighton was left without legal protection on Thursday after trans activists vandalised its venue, sparking concern among organisers. Filia, which is hosting the three-day event aimed at defending women’s rights and challenging sex-based injustices, had applied to Brighton and Hove city council for a public spaces protection order to prevent disruptions.The incident occurred near the Brighton Centre, when masked activists from a group calling themselves “Bash Back” smashed the glass frontage of the venue. They later posted a video online, saying the conference would be attended by “hate groups” including the LGB Alliance and Transgender Trend. The activists also mentioned the conference alumni, including JK Rowling, and the director of Scottish Lesbians, one of the groups involved in the Supreme Court ruling on the definition of a woman.Filia submitted the security request on Monday, citing fears of disruption. The application said the order would prevent noise such as shouting, chanting, banging objects, or playing loud music in a marked area around the venue. “Many attendees and speakers have experienced sexual and/or domestic violence perpetrated by men, and a number have experienced such violence in warzones,” the application added.On Friday morning, the council refused the order, stating in a letter shared with The Times: “Having reviewed the proposal for a protection order the council did not consider it met the relevant legal test and was [a] disproportionate approach which would be highly unlikely to be granted.” The council said the police would continue to monitor the situation to keep protests peaceful.Lisa-Marie Taylor, Filia’s chief executive, criticised the decision: “We have heard today that Brighton and Hove council has rejected Filia’s public spaces protection order which we submitted in advance to pre-empt behaviour and aggression of this sort. We call on the council to condemn last night’s antics and to acknowledge that to protest against Filia is to protest against women gathering to discuss their lives. It is shocking and saddening that a conference for women to discuss domestic abuse, sexual violence and lesbian safety, has been met with smashed windows, graffiti and intimidation.”The conference will run until Sunday and includes sessions on sexual violence, domestic abuse, and ending violence against women and girls. Filia said it worked with the police and security to keep the event safe, while the council said the PSPO request did not meet legal requirements or deadlines.
