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Original poster

Green Sheffield Councillor puts the Party in a spin with gender critical statement

33 replies

theOtherPamAyres · 05/05/2019 11:16

When Peter Garbutt said that trans people could not change their DNA and that it was scientifically impossible for a man to become a woman and vice versa, a party spokesperson replied that green LBGT people wouldn't vote for him.

When he said that the trans rights campaign risked women's rights, was aggressive and less than democratic, the spokesperson said that he had done "untold damage".

He won the seat comfortably.

The Green party source said: we have the most pro-trans policy of any party. It’s just a shame that sometimes it doesn’t leak through to an individual level. It really isn’t the view of the Green Party and it doesn’t reflect the Green Party ethos.

Good luck Councillor Garbutt and thank you for ignoring the party line.

link to a local news article:
www.jusnews.net/newly-elected-green-councillor-says-it-is-scientifically-impossible-for-a-man-to-become-a-woman/

OP posts:
NeurotrashWarrior · 05/05/2019 19:18

There is a big group of undercover gender critical greens. A relative is one of them. The GC greens are being hauled over hot coals. I think there will be changes in the future like this.

MockerstheFeManist · 05/05/2019 13:23

Far too many activist Greenies would prefer a candidate who said the 'right' things and lost, rather than one who said the wrong things and won.

RedHoodGirl · 05/05/2019 13:20

I suspect he won the seat because of people’s recent increased awareness of green issues following the extinction rebellion protests (coupled with disallusionment with Labour / Tory party) rather than his GC views?

It’d be interesting to know if the count would have been affected if voters had known?

MrsSnippyPants · 05/05/2019 11:39

I would have voted for our Green Party candidate if he had been as clear as Councillor Garbutt. Unfortunately, he just responded to my questions on this issue with a big old word salad about vulnerable people. And he wasn't talking about women.

CuriousaboutSamphire · 05/05/2019 11:36

Cloud your judgement?

That was politicking, aimed at undermining a candidate... weird behaviour, at best.

CannyLad · 05/05/2019 11:31

Just guessing but does the party spokesperson identify with one of the LGBT groups?

Is it hard to be objective sometimes but very important when you're a spokesperson not to let your own opinions cloud your judgement...

GCAcademic · 05/05/2019 11:24

a Green party source said Coun Garbutt’s comments had caused “untold damage” to the party’s reputation

No, what damages the party’s reputation is taking an anti-scientific position. If you want to convince people of the need for green policies, which will inevitably require individuals to make lifestyle and financial sacrifices, then your scientific credibility needs to be unassailable.

Outanabout · 05/05/2019 11:21

Presumably the Green Party get annoyed with people who ignore all scientific evidence for climate change? Goalposts change though when it comes to a clash between reality and men's feelings