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Original poster

Starmer on what a woman is, and GRA reform

210 replies

ResisterRex · 12/03/2022 06:40

In The Times:

Trans women are women, says Keir Starmer in call for legal reform

https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/75ddf3d0-a176-11ec-b38e-10b333e9179b?shareToken=2a3aa1b4f35de5d5a23b0166178270f6

"Asked to define a woman, Starmer replied: “A woman is a female adult, and in addition to that trans women are women, and that is not just my view — that is actually the law. It has been the law through the combined effects of the 2004 [Gender Recognition] Act and the 2010 [Equality] Act. So that’s my view. It also happens to be the law in the United Kingdom.”

The Labour leader called for reforms of the Gender Recognition Act, under which people diagnosed with gender dysphoria who have lived in their acquired gender for at least two years can apply to be legally recognised.

“The process that people have to go through does need to be looked at,” he told The Times. “If you talk to anybody who’s been through the process there’s a real issue about respect and dignity.”"

In addition:

He called for a “more considered, respectful, tolerant debate about these issues”. Starmer added: “I don’t think it furthers the interests of anybody to continue the debate in the way that it’s been going on now for some time.”

OP posts:
tabbycatstripy · 12/03/2022 07:11

I haven't read it. But it appears Keir Starmer QC doesn't understand that the law also differentiates between those who have acquired female status and those who have it because their sex is observed at birth. For example, in the For Women Scotland case, where it makes it clear that the definition of 'adult human female' in the Equality Act does NOT mean transwomen, who, by acquiring a GRA, acquire the legal status of 'female', but this is distinguishable in law from biological female.

Let's say I was wrong about this. It would mean that our laws have placed biological females in a situation where we are indistinguishable from biological males. I would say that's a legal position that needs to change because it's against natural justice.

But I'm not wrong.

MrsOvertonsWindow · 12/03/2022 07:08

When demanding a more more "considered, respectful, tolerant debate" presumably he means "women shut up"?

maudesvagina · 12/03/2022 07:02

Knobhead. Soooo disappointed with Labour

Theeyeballsinthesky · 12/03/2022 06:55

Ffs how can he still not get this!!!

If women are adult human females but TW are also women then men are also women. Does he really not see how ridiculous thar is??

How can Labour possibly defend single sex spaces when they believe men are also women

As long as Labour keep trotting this out because they’re too stupid to see the contradiction staring them in the face or too scared of upsetting TRA then I’ll not be voting for them & nor will a lot of women

Livelifeinthebuslane · 12/03/2022 06:55

@ResisterRex

He did say that about safe spaces. But if you're supporting "reform" without saying what that is then...what are safe spaces?
I presume he understands the EA though, and means that TW can be excluded, though I wouldn't be surprised if there's a "clarification" coming.

I would have thought politicians and other grown ups would be more circumspect with the Cass report just having come out, but maybe they haven't caught up yet.

ReeseWitherfork · 12/03/2022 06:50

I don't like the TWAW part but actually nice to see a coherent answer and not a load of old rambling waffle. That's a start at least.

Interesting that he recognises the lack of constructive conversation on the topic, let's hope that's not a one way street. I can't see how it can be; I only see one side not offering that.

BigGreenOlives · 12/03/2022 06:48

I couldn’t bring myself to read it or the feature about a woman living with her husband who decided to live as a trans woman. Too fragile right now.

Original poster
ResisterRex · 12/03/2022 06:47

He did say that about safe spaces. But if you're supporting "reform" without saying what that is then...what are safe spaces?

OP posts:
TheCurrywurstPrion · 12/03/2022 06:46

Finally nailed his colours to the mast then.

Ironic, given that he’s procrastinated so long, that he’s done so at a time when it’s becoming clearer and clearer that the public are not in favour.

Livelifeinthebuslane · 12/03/2022 06:45

I just read that and came straight here!

But he also said that he believes in safe spaces for women and the Equality Act is right. So transwomen are women ... except when they're not.

And what about respect and dignity for women?

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