Legal aid victory in battle for equal right to ride
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Two women fighting a court battle to be part of a centuries-old all-male riding festival have been granted legal aid. Mandy Graham, 21, and Ashley Simpson, 24, are challenging a decision to ban them from last year's Hawick Common Riding Festival, saying the decision was unlawful under the Sex Discrimination Act 1975.
They have already been granted pounds 2,500 by the Equal Opportunities Commission to proceed with their case. And yesterday Sheriff Brian Donald was told that they had also been granted legal aid for their battle. The sheriff was hearing legal arguments from lawyers representing the women and last year's riding committee at Jedburgh sheriff court in the Scottish Borders. After listening to six hours of argument, he reserved judgment on the matter. He is expected to issue a written decision in the next few weeks and could recommend that the matter goes to a full hearing with witnesses being called.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments