Last updated on July 13th, 2023 at 04:18 am
UK-based bank Metro Bank is facing criticism for allegedly refusing to open a business account for Our Duty, a parental rights group that opposes the transgender mutilation of children. The bank stated that any decision to close or review an account is made for commercial reasons. Our Duty attempted to open a business account with Metro Bank but was denied after a review due to the content on the group’s website. Metro Bank informed Our Duty that its website conflicted with the culture and ideas the bank is promoting.
Our Duty expressed concerns that Metro Bank’s decision was based on a one-sided worldview and that the bank considers only one set of ideas to be valid. Our Duty also mentioned that Metro Bank has staff networks for diversity and inclusion, including for LGBT staff. The parental rights group believes it has become a casualty in the war on differing views conducted by LGBT staff networks. Our Duty is now searching for another UK bank to support its work providing help and advice to parents with transgender children.
Metro Bank denies rejecting Our Duty’s accounts due to political differences, stating that the decision to close or review an account is based on commercial reasons, and that the bank remains politically neutral. However, Metro Bank recently announced its support for Pride celebrations, indicating its commitment to “diversity and inclusion”. This shows how Our Duty’s accusations against Metro Bank are valid. Our Duty’s experience is not unique, as other individuals and organizations with conservative views have reported being debanked by banks for political reasons, both in the UK and elsewhere.