The Charity Commission has initiated discussions with the trustees of Amnesty International UK as part of its ongoing compliance investigation into the human rights organisation. This follows Amnesty UK’s recent withdrawal of a report that named and criticised several groups it accused of “targeting” LGBT individuals, including Beira’s Place, a support service for survivors of sexual violence co-founded by author JK Rowling.

Amnesty UK acknowledged that the language used in the report did not accurately represent the organisation’s stance and expressed regret over its publication. The charity has since retracted the briefing and announced an internal review. The Charity Commission confirmed it is engaging with trustees to obtain further information related to the case.

Separately, the regulator issued guidance urging charities to align with the Equality Act 2010 ahead of the anticipated code of practice from the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC), expected in August. The Commission underscored that charities should not delay compliance, referencing last April’s Supreme Court ruling in the case of For Women Scotland v Scottish Ministers, which clarified that “sex” under the Equality Act is defined by biological sex.

“Charities are advised to take steps towards ensuring they can comply with the code and the law, notably the changes regarding the definition of sex,” the regulator said. It suggested that depending on the charity’s focus, seeking legal advice might be appropriate. The Charity Commission also noted it is working to update its own Equality Act guidance, but emphasised that its forthcoming advice will not alter the legal principles already established by the Supreme Court ruling.

Marion Calder, co-director of the campaign group For Women Scotland, welcomed the Commission’s approach, stating that the organisation appreciates the seriousness with which the investigation is being handled. Calder noted that charities should have been working towards legal compliance since the Supreme Court decision was issued more than a year ago.

JK Rowling has previously voiced strong criticism of Amnesty UK, expressing anger over what she described as the charity’s targeting of women’s, children’s, and LGBT rights organisations. After the initial report was withdrawn, Rowling indicated on social media that she and the affected groups are prepared to pursue legal action against Amnesty if necessary.

Amnesty UK reiterated that the withdrawn report’s language did not reflect its official position and highlighted that it is continuing its internal review. The organisation has not yet provided further comment regarding the Charity Commission’s ongoing compliance inquiry or the forthcoming EHRC guidance.