I see there is a thread on the frighteningly authoritarian draft hate crime bill and what that might mean for essays like that ofJK Rowling in the future. We are extremely concerned that groups like ours will face prosecution based on the perception of individuals. There is no requirement to prove intent and the accused will have to prove innocence. Meanwhile, misogyny is not included (at behest of Engender who were content to leave it for the present). This week, as you know, a non-binary member of the SNP claimed to have been set upon by a "transphobic" mob in a branch meeting. This was retweeted uncritically by senior politicians.The account was contested by many people who were present, at which point several politicians declared that what occurred was irrelevant, the only important factor was the individual's belief that they had been abused. This, of course, is the basis of this iniquitous bill.
Apologies for starting a new thread but I wanted to draw attention to the Twitter thread (also on our website) which we wrote on the abuse we have faced over the past 2 years. This only scratches the surface of what has happened. Meanwhile, we are currently being called a hate group by an SNP MP who employs a researcher who is one of the people who has relentlessly targeted us. Also, the SNP women's officer has called women concerned for their rights a "persistent vocal mob...incapable of taking part in civil conversation" while claiming concerns have been dealt with (she restricts replies on Twitter and blocks). Not one of the politicians or third sector workers who enthusiastically promoted Teddy's account, saying hate has no place in Scotland, has commented on what we have been through.
twitter.com/ForwomenScot/status/1277702854996897792?s=20
forwomen.scot/30/06/2020/abuse-and-womens-rights/#more-2393