Judge gives Transgender Trend permission to intervene in support of Keira Bell

@OldCrone I think both Mermaids and Stonewall may have been identified as 'interested parties', rather than third party interveners

makes complete sense, especially as Sue Evans making the case said: It became apparent that there was tremendous pressure on the GIDS staff coming from several directions - the distressed patients, sometimes the families, but most worryingly from the ‘support’ groups and charities, who seemed to be having undue influence on the treatment approach within the GIDS

interesting .. thanks.

gardening gloves on for the Safe Schools Alliance case - CPS hate crime guidance.

When I suggested to someone that this guidance could result in a child being criminalised for speaking openly, I was told that that would never happen and everyone would be sensible about it. Who writes a law or guidance for the law that requires people to be sensible for it to work?? Surely the whole point of writing a law or guidance is to remove the areas of doubt and reduce or eliminate the need for subjective judgements?

[quote FindTheTruth]**@rogdmum* Mermaids and Stonewall have been refused permission to get involved.*

So Mermaids and Stonewall applied to be a third party intervenor and were refused.[/quote]
This document about third party interventions gives a possible explanation for the refusal.

justice.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/To-Assist-the-Court-Web.pdf

On page 6 they describe what is meant by a third party intervener (my bold):

1.11 An intervener is distinct from a party – whether claimant or defendant, appellant or respondent, prosecutor or accused. A party has a direct stake in the outcome of the case, whereas a third party intervener does not. Generally, a third party intervener should not be confused with:

(a)An interested party: an interested party is someone who is identified by either the claimant or the defendant as being directly affected by the case (in particular, the relief that may or may not be granted by the court depending on whether it finds for or against the claimant).

I think both Mermaids and Stonewall may have been identified as 'interested parties', rather than third party interveners.

Dug for the Susan Evan's case...

[quote FindTheTruth]**@rogdmum* Mermaids and Stonewall have been refused permission to get involved.*

So Mermaids and Stonewall applied to be a third party intervenor and were refused.[/quote]
My understanding from other posts is they put in a submission but it was rejected - that might have been because it was too poor or it might have been because it included no new information. I am guessing the 13 year old was allowed because it brings the perspective of a child.

Yes, it’s great news, isn’t it?

@rogdmum Mermaids and Stonewall have been refused permission to get involved.

So Mermaids and Stonewall applied to be a third party intervenor and were refused.

The Safe Schools Alliance case, to help support a teenage girl challenge CPS LGBT+ hate crime guidance, is also still more than £10000 short and ends in 6 days.

find's summary of intervening in court proceedings is accurate. It is fairly common for organisations with an interest and/or expertise to apply to the court to intervene in judicial review cases. If Mermaids did make an application to intervene I could see it being granted. I actually think it could be interesting if they did, sunlight and all that. As far as I am aware they are not big fans of GIDS and so would be in court saying that the waiting list is too long, GIDS aren't sufficiently affirming, puberty blockers aren't prescribed (early) enough. Frankly I would like a court to hear from Mermaids.

twitter.com/Mermaids_Gender/status/1233458676150697984?

Wonder if there will be other third party intervenors involved in the case too.

FindThe Truth

I have a vague recollection of Mermaids saying they were applying to intervene as well. Not seen any announcement of whether they have been allowed (would imagine they’d be shouting about it if they are). Quite possibly I’m imagining this.

Just donated. I really hope this all works out. There needs to be some pushback.

I've been trying to find out what 'intervene' means and have found these points on legal sites, though I'm no expert...

In recent years, UK courts have begun to allow third party interventions, to:

• Intervene in the public interest
• Raise some issue of public importance.
• Provide an independent analysis of the human rights principles and standards
• Enable the courts to hear arguments which are of wider import than the concerns of the particular parties to the case
• Help when the courts are to decide questions of major public importance, with implications going beyond the facts of the case at hand

TGtrd say "the judge in this case has given Transgender Trend permission to intervene in support of Keira Bell"... some legal sites say that third party intervenors don’t act for the plaintiff or defendant, but offer guidance to the court directly. Wonder if there will be other third party intervenors involved in the case too.

justice.org.uk/our-work/third-party-interventions/

Thanks for the update. I've dug again. Still can't believe it's legal to give healthy children drugs that have never been tested for their 'condition'.

I’ve donated to both cases, but if you were wondering which is most deserving right now, screenshot from Keira explains the Susan Evans case has less time so needs more attention. Can follow the link to see more.

twitter.com/Transgendertrd/status/1300730918710259712

Will funders be liable for costs like they are in libel cases?

That’s really good news, thanks for sharing here. Will get my spade

Dug.

Twelve days to go and £11675 to raise. Is that for both or one or what? I'll pop off and contribute anyway but it would be useful to know how best to help.

And brilliant that an expert intervention is being allowed. The principles underpinning both cases are so vitally important.

Bloody hell this sounds extremely positive!

Now where did I put that spade...

Excellent!

Twelve days to go and £11675 to raise.

Ah okay thanks! (sorry should probably have read them both properly). Have donated to both