Here is what Ms Mordant got from me:
Good morning,
I have been reading, with some interest, the opening of the GRA consultation. I am somewhat surprised, and disappointed, that you lead off with a statement that makes much of what will come after something of a mockery.
As you are probably fully aware there has been much ado about "transphobia" in many women's groups. Gender Critical feminists have been accused of 'literal violence' for wanting to openly discuss the possible conflicts changes to the GRA might mean.
Your statement "Transwomen are women, that is the starting point of this debate" is hugely problematical:
a) This is factually incorrect. Biology cannot be denied, sex is sex. Gender may well be a continuum of choice, but sex is either male or female. So how can genetic males be genetically female?
This is one of the fictions that leads to some extremely problematic scenarios, ones that have already happened across the world. For example, men in a women's refuge. I am sure you are fully aware of, say, that long running Canadian case!
b) If that is the starting point then all that follows is useless. Predetermined whitewashing of an issue that effects EVERY woman. You are saying that anyone who starts from a different viewpoint, that transwomen are men, are not going to be listened to. Sadly, that means a great many women will be blocked from any participation as will many transwomen, who make no claims to being women!
c) What about transmen? Where are they in your New World Theory? Why are you so focussed on what men want to the extent of ignoring women, no matter how they present themselves?
Please, before you carry on down this exclusionary path, think about the people who you have been consulting with. Think on these questions:
- What sex are they?
- How loud are their voices?
- How determined have they been to be heard?
- Why are they so determined to prevent any discussion about sex, biological sex?
- Why have some of them committed very real physical violence as well as many acts of threatening communication on many online platforms?
- Why are those very real acts of aggression being ignored and women being threatened with prosecution, losing their jobs, etc, for 'literal violence' AKA saying that transwomen are men?
- Why didn't you say equally firmly Transmen are men?
And finally, Penny... How do human beings change sex?
I really hope you will read all that I have written and give it some real consideration. Though I suspect you will read a line or two and dismiss me as a crank, a TERF, a transphobic woman. But remember, what you do now will set the shape of our social milieu for some time.
Do you want to be the woman who chose to dismiss women's concerns for the rights and safety of women and girls in order to placate a loud and aggressive group of men with issues of their own.
Don't throw women under the bus, Penny.
Yours, somewhat angrily,