The Charity Commission has confirmed it is assessing incidents that took place at a gender-critical feminist charity’s annual conference this month, following allegations of anti-semitism.
FiLiA, which runs “the largest grassroots feminist conference in Europe” and describes itself as being part of the women’s liberation movement, announced on 18 October that it had contacted the regulator to review its processes, “including our due diligence process”, after several allegedly antisemitic incidents at its annual conference in Brighton.
In response, a Charity Commission spokesperson told Civil Society that it was aware of “serious concerns relating to FiLiA’s annual conference” and was in the initial stages of an assessment to determine any next steps.
The charity has previously faced criticism for its allegedly transphobic views and gender-critical rhetoric.
‘Several Jewish women left room in tears’
According to reports from the conference itself, the allegations centred around some Jewish attendees feeling “unwelcome” at the event as a result of “an undercurrent of anti-Israel sentiment”.
Alleged incidents included panel discussions with speakers who allegedly had previously publicly expressed pro-Hamas sentiments.
In its public statement on the matter, FiLiA said: “We want to make it clear that FiLiA completely distances itself from religious fundamentalism and extremism in all its forms, including Hamas and support for Hamas, and we condemn all violence against Women, in all its forms, everywhere.
“We are firmly anti-racist and condemn all forms of racism (whether based on real or perceived race and/or religion), harassment, prejudice and discrimination.
“We acknowledge that we missed some very important elements of due diligence, and we take this extremely seriously.”
