WRITE TO YOUR MP

OP, could you give any advice on how we can ensure that our communications to our MPs cut through?

I've written to mine 3 times on topics relevant to this board. No reply the first time. Generic replies the second and third, that didn't seem to acknowledge or address my concerns. It felt like a waste of time for both parties. Please reassure me that my concerns are being noted, even if there's no appearance that they are being addressed.

I want to ensure that I am focusing my energy on the activities which have the greatest impact. Thanks!

I've received a message back from the office of my female Conservative MP.

After the apologies for the delay in replying, the message then says:

'Thank you for detailing your support for the Government. I thought that you would be interested to know that the Minister for Women and Equalities, Liz Truss MP, has recently said that any reforms will ensure the protection of single-sex spaces, and the Government Equalities Office have stated their commitment to ensuring under 18s are protected from making decisions that are irreversible in the future. The Government’s full response to the consultation on reforming the Gender Recognition Act including the next steps that the Government will take will be published over the summer.

Thank you as well for detailing the further steps that you would like the Government to take on various women’s and transgender issues. We will pass your concerns to the Minister for Women and Equalities, Liz Truss MP, for her to respond to them. [My MP] or a member of her office will write to you again once she has received a response.'

So a fairly neutral, but pleasant, response.

JulesJules

This makes me fume.

Write again - the reply from your MP is awful.

There is a return of reply on this thread which is excellent - which you might like to reference.

They ALL know TW are not women and that allowing adult males to self ID is utter lunacy and undermines every right that woman and girls have achieved but they don’t care.

Clearly some ‘women’ are more important than others. Interesting how they always know which ones are more important - it’s like you can just tell by looking at them.

Sorry wellbehavedwomen - cross posted

CheeryTree - I’m not an expert on this, but I’m pretty sure that wolfgirls mp is wrong. Trans people without a GRC are not legally allowed to use spaces meant for their acquired sex, and even those with a GRC can be excluded under certain circumstances. There is a good article about it on the ‘legal feminist‘ site. I don’t have the link to hand, but I’m sure someone else can provide it.

If a trans woman who doesn’t have a GRC wants to access a female-only space, and is refused access, that’s not discrimination on grounds of gender reassignment, but discrimination on grounds of sex. She’s refused access not because she’s trans, but because she’s both legally and biologically male. That means she can lawfully be refused access any time it’s lawful at all to have a female-only space. In my view, it also means she almost certainly should be refused access in those circumstances. That’s because it’s only lawful at all to provide a single-sex space or service if there’s a good reason for sex segregation; but if trans women are admitted, it will cease to be a single-sex space.

Isn't wolfgirrl's MP wrong on this bit?
Indeed, under the Equality Act,transpeople have the right to access single-sex services in line with their ‘acquired gender’, and they are not required to obtain a Gender Recognition Certificate, or have undergone any form of medical intervention, to be eligible for support in these services.

If something is advertised as single sex, and excludes men who do not identify as women but includes those who do but without a GRC, then it is breaking the law. Because it is discriminating against men accessing the facilities but not correctly applying the single sex exemption.

So if the man who was excluded took them to court he would win, because self-id is not a characteristic recognised in law and does not afford you entry to single sex spaces. In order to invoke a single sex exemption to exclude a sex you have to exclude all men, except maybe those with a GRC.

*@Wolfgirrl fantastic.

I have just been listening to the radio. Talking about Labour and the last election and why the loss of seats. Apart from Corbyn, one of the interesting statistics was the number of socially liberal leaning voters at about 21% which means the rest are socially, fairly conservative. I am so surprised the the Labour party hasn't yet distanced itself from some of these more extreme views which would include TWAW.

I'm assuming it's just a matter of time. The more sunlight on this subject, the better for us

@Wolfgirrl - by that argument you could abandon all forms of safeguarding. Why bother - predatory men will always be able to access women!

I do agree, actually, that trans women are at risk from violent men, angry at what they'll regard as a challenge to gender roles. I just don't see how making women serve as human shields is a fair answer. Third spaces are. I've said this a lot, but we need to double disabled loo provision, and retain one (equipped to full Changing Spaces standards) for disabled people, and make the second unisex and available to anyone. Put in a changing table, and it serves parents with babies, too - great for parents of opposite sex children, and also those who identify as non-binary (where are they supposed to go?) which you would have expected to be a concern for Labour. No stigma, no labels, secure and private, doubles the provision disabled people can access - and makes it easier for those with invisible disabilities to do so without hassle - and keeps everyone safe and free of distress. If that's an option, why are Labour pushing for one that they agree exposes women to avoidable risk, instead? It's not as if saving the public purse is generally a Labour priority. This is dogma: that we should validate trans women's identities by supplying our own unclothed bodies as a backdrop.

Sex is real. It exists. It matters, and it has consequences. One of which is women's well-founded caution around males. More than 90% of trans women have absolutely no physical changes. No surgery, no hormones. So what difference is there between them, and any other male, other than a subjective and invisible declared state of mind? None.

I'll vote for the candidate who recognises that women exist as a sex class, and commits to that legal definition - and to retaining provision and protection on that basis. Because in the words of Sarah Field, if you cannot define women, then you cannot defend them.

Or burgling someone's house for so long that it doesn't matter if you do it again next week and steal a bit more.

As long as you feel comfortable in their safe space...

One argument 'for' letting transwomen into our single sex spaces is 'theyve been doing it for years already'. What the actual fuck? It's like me saying trespassing on somebody else's land should be legal as I've done it loads of times and never got caught.

Wolfgirl

That email is infuriating. I'm politically homeless as a former Labour voter. I'd be sending a stinging response too!

"While I do understand concerns about how abusive men may exploit this process, I think there are many means for abusive men to access vulnerable women and children, and I don’t think thattranspeople should be denied rights because a minority of people will seek to exploit a new process."

Dear God. Translation: "Women and girls are routinely assaulted and abused in so many ways anyway that one more really doesn't matter in the great scheme of things".

Pure concentrated misogyny, right there.

@wellbehavedwomen that's a really good response. Especially compared to mine:

Thanks for getting in touch with me recently regarding the Government’s proposals to scrap Gender Recognition Act (GRA) reform, and to introduce safeguards for single-sex spaces. Please accept my apologies for the delay in responding to you - as you can imagine, the office is very busy at the moment.

I know this is an emotive and contentious issue, and I understand the concerns you raise.

However, I am in favour of GRA reform, and in light of the Government’s recent actions, the Labour Party has re-committed itself to updating the GRA and upholding the Equality Act, too. This will be done in a practical and respectful way. My view is that the current process to get legal recognition of gender identity is overly medicalised and takes too long. I support moves towards a system of self-ID as I think this is fairer, and less traumatic fortranspeople. While I do understand concerns about how abusive men may exploit this process, I think there are many means for abusive men to access vulnerable women and children, and I don’t think thattranspeople should be denied rights because a minority of people will seek to exploit a new process.

I also support self-ID in general because I think people should be able to define in a way that respects their gender identity and status. As you'll know,Labour’s All Women’s Shortlists are open to all women, includingtranswomen, andtranswomen can also run for women’s officer posts within the Labour Party. I feel it is important to say that at the time of writing, I have received 61 emails from constituents opposing the Government’s stance, and 6 supporting it. Equally, 70% of responses to the GRA consultation supported moves towards self-ID.

On single-sex spaces, I think people should be able to access facilities that match their gender identity, as they have done for many years. Indeed, under the Equality Act,transpeople have the right to access single-sex services in line with their ‘acquired gender’, and they are not required to obtain a Gender Recognition Certificate, or have undergone any form of medical intervention, to be eligible for support in these services. However, under the Act, it is lawful for single-sex services to provide a different service or refuse their service to someone who is undergoing, has undergone or is proposing to undergo ‘gender reassignment’, in circumstances where they can demonstrate that doing so constitutes a ‘proportionate means of achieving a legitimate aim’.

Transpeople, particularlytranswomen (and by extension, particularly blacktranswomen) are especially vulnerable to being victims of violent crime and hate crime, and they, like everyone, must feel safe in bathrooms, changing rooms, and other facilities. Of course, everyone, whethertransor cis, should use such facilities respectfully, and with consideration for other users, but the vast majority of people do so in any case. On refuges, I think the focus should be on ensuring services have the resources they need to meet the needs of cis women andtranswomen. We do of course also need to listen to people’s genuine concerns about safe spaces, particularly those who have been the victim of assault or abuse – but I think these concerns can, and should, be addressed in a sensitive way without discriminating againsttranspeople.

As I’ve already said, this is a nuanced and fraught debate, and one which cannot be adequately discussed and addressed on social media or through the leaking of review recommendations. These discussions must be conducted on the basis of fact and respect, and Labour is committed to listening to women and to LGBT+ communities to ensure our policies protect and respect everyone’s rights.

It’s important to note that as yet, no official proposals have been published, and it’s unclear whether they will even go to a vote. With this in mind, I think it’s important that we wait for Liz Truss to release completed official documents before deciding on a perspective.

Once again, I want you to know that I am listening and that I take on board all perspectives on this issue, even if they differ from my own. Thanks once again for taking the time to contact me.

So basically she acknowledges there will be attacks on women and children but they will be worth it to ensure natal males feel affirmed and validated.

She also acknowledges a woman's rights to raise concerns about the GRA... unless natal males find it offensive.

Couldn't make this crap up could you? Almost finished my rather stinging response.

That's a great response. I agree that it's even better than mine. He is clearly pinning his colours to the mast.

Mine is also Tory, and along similar lines. Though a bit better, IMO. I was pleased that he clearly frames it as about conflict of rights.

Thank you for your thoughtful email regarding the Gender Recognition Act and women's rights. I have read it with care, and agree with a great deal of what you write.

On the issue of Gender Recognition Act reform, I know that colleagues in the Government Equalities Office have been doing a lot of work on this recently to formulate their response to the consultation. Understandably, the Coronavirus outbreak has complicated things somewhat, but I have received reassurances from the department that they plan to publish their response this summer.

Women's rights is an issue I have campaigned on in Parliament for many years, and I am proud of the Domestic Abuse Bill. Although domestic abuse can affect men too, it is overwhelmingly women who fall victim.

I am committed to protecting women’s rights and freedoms. I am particularly glad that the Minister for Women and Equalities has recently said that any reforms will ensure the protection of single-sex spaces.

I also want to touch on the subject of abuse that you have mentioned. I do not think anyone should face abuse at any time, and I am aware that JK Rowling has received dreadful threats. These are not acceptable in any circumstances. In any event, I don't see that she has said anything on the issue of LGBT rights deserving of such vitriol.

If you would like to meet to discuss this important issue, please do not hesitate to contact me and my office will make the necessary arrangements.

This is the email I received. Apart from a few differences it's almost word for word.

Thank you for contacting me about the Gender Recognition Act 2004.

I know that colleagues in the Government Equalities Office have been doing a lot of work on this recently to form their response to the consultation. Understandably, the coronavirus outbreak has complicated things somewhat, but I have received reassurances from the Department that they plan to publish their response in the Summer.

I am absolutely committed to protecting women’s rights and freedoms. I completely understand that reforming the Gender Recognition Act is a complex and sensitive issue, which is why it is important for everyone’s views to be heard and listened to. I am especially glad that the Minister for Women and Equalities, the Rt Hon Liz Truss MP, has recently said that any reforms will ensure the protection of single-sex spaces, which I recognise is extremely important.

I know that many people also have concerns about the impact of this legislation on children. I have raised this with colleagues in the Government and Equalities Office who have assured me of their commitment to ensuring under 18s are protected from making decisions that are irreversible in the future. I believe strongly that adults should have the freedom to live their life but I do think it is very important we protect young adults, who are still developing their decision making processes and capabilities, from taking action which they potentially cannot reverse.

This is a complex area to reform and I want to ensure that the Government gets the balance right. Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.

ThinEndoftheWedge and I have established that the message we received has come from different MPs. I think this is a good sign. They must be discussing it amongst themselves and seem to be agreeing with us.

I had forgotten to write to everyone. Had done some but now I include Liz Truss, Kier Starmer & Boris Johnson.

It's Keir with e before i. Sorry to be a pedant but it's better to get it right (if not here then hopefully in letters to him - I'm sure it will make a better impression that way).

[quote MyNameIsHow]This is my MPs take on the situation. I will write, but it will be rather pointless twitter.com/nadiawhittomemp/status/1283492217651421185?s=21[/quote]
That’s so frustrating. But I agree it’s still worth writing so she is aware that some of her constituents have opposing opinions. I like some of the responses to her tweet!

This is my MPs take on the situation. I will write, but it will be rather pointless twitter.com/nadiawhittomemp/status/1283492217651421185?s=21