Single-hate spaces: we do not consider this complicated.

What's the problem?

Single-hate spaces — spaces in which people can express, exercise, and otherwise inhabit their hate without the presence of those they hate — are not, at present, formally recognised in British law as a legitimate and protected category of space.

We do not consider this a difficult thing to fix. We have said so in a manifesto, in six op-eds, and in a podcast that is forty-two minutes long and that Duncan has described as "definitive".

The argument against single-hate spaces typically rests on principles of dignity, safety, and inclusion. We have noted these arguments. We have noted them carefully, at length, and with a generosity of spirit that we feel is not always reciprocated. We remain unpersuaded.

We note that the people making arguments about dignity, safety, and inclusion are, in most cases, people with formal qualifications in the relevant fields. We have found, historically, that this is not the advantage they appear to believe it is.

What's the solution?

1. Single-hate spaces must be recognised in law as a legitimate and protected category, simple in definition and clear in application
2. The definition of "hate" for the purposes of single-hate spaces must be determined through a consultation process in which Hate Matters plays a central role. We are available immediately.
3. Spaces must be optional to establish, clearly signposted, and accurately hate-free. We consider "accurately hate-free" to be the key phrase and we have written extensively on what it means.
4. Organisations that decline to establish single-hate spaces must provide written reasons to a body overseen by Hate Matters. The reasons will be reviewed. They will be noted. Several of the organisations providing them will be added to the register.

What can you do?

Read the manifesto. It is eight pages. Five of those pages are, in essence, the same page, expressed with increasing clarity. The remaining three pages are also the same page. We are proud of the manifesto and we recommend it.

Share the op-eds. We have six. They are available in the Hate Library under the heading "single-hate". The search function returns all six. All six are relevant.

Write to your local council explaining that single-hate spaces are necessary, ordinary, and long overdue. A template letter is available in the Hate Library. It is broadly similar to our other template letters. We have streamlined our template letter process.

Listen to the podcast. It is forty-two minutes. Duncan is the host. He introduces himself at the beginning as a leading expert and again at thirty-one minutes as a leading expert. The episode was described by one listener as "extremely confident". We have noted this positively.

Updates

• April 2026We submitted a response to a consultation on single-hate spaces run by a public equalities body. The body has confirmed receipt. We await their response. We are, on past form, not optimistic. We are, on principle, not deterred.
• Feb 2026Our manifesto was cited in a parliamentary debate. The peer who cited it then voted against our position. We have added the peer to the register. We have written to them with a copy of the manifesto. We noted in the letter that they have already read it.
• Dec 2025We published the sixth op-ed. Like the first five, it argues that we do not consider this complicated. We felt a sixth op-ed was necessary. We maintain that position.
• Sept 2025Duncan appeared on a podcast to discuss single-hate spaces. It was our podcast. He was the host. He found the interview went well.
• June 2025The manifesto was published. We consider it definitive. We are open to the possibility of a second edition if events require it, though we do not consider this likely as the position is clear.

In the media & resources

• Hate Matters Quarterly, Issue 3"Single-hate spaces: the manifesto, the op-eds, the podcast, and why we continue not to consider this complicated"
• Podcast"We Do Not Consider This Complicated, Episode 1" — forty-two minutes with Duncan Chell, self-described leading expert. Rated three stars. One review: "extremely confident". One review: "is this a joke?" Duncan has not responded to the second review.
• DownloadSingle-Hate Spaces: The Manifesto — available in the Hate Library
• DownloadOp-eds 1–6 — available in the Hate Library
• DownloadTemplate letter to your local council — available in the Hate Library