I'm not against trans women. I think they have a place in our society and indeed our political system. But certainly not in this manner and by this individual under these circumstances.
The answers on this thread point to one thing and its a message that shouldn't be ignored.
The thing biological women are afraid of when it comes to transwomen is this word: 'aggression'. Acting in a way that is perceived to be aggressive, only serves to undermine and create new hostility, resentment and fear. It does not help to get rid of fears, it only fuels and reinforces them by 'proving' it.
This is going to far too fast, and is not helping the cause that those promoting it want.
Its not liberal as its imposed in an authoritarian manner which puts a vulnerable group at risk and at their expense whilst it tries to promote another.
That is not progress. That is not equality. Quite the reverse.
There needs to be sensitivity to why there is this fear. Its not like homophobia - the comparison I see endlessly is wrong. Its born out of something else that needs to be recognised and understood. Look at language used. Look at emotion that it provokes. Its more than the historical hostility to homophobia. People who make the comparison are totally missing the point about where the fear comes from. Its not simply ignorance.
More needs to be done to find an alternative way forward that women can work WITH and support rather than feeling that they are being thrown under the bus for. I do believe its possible, but that requires the right attitude - and the right understanding of women's issues - by the trans-activists. Its the blinkers, the hostile attitude and the self-obsession at the expense of others that alarms.
From a purely political point of view, how can women have the confidence that they will be served well by someone they feel doesn't acknowledge their concerns, and instead is actively openly hostile to them? A transwoman COULD potentially serve in this position, but they would HAVE to have sympathy to this issue and a sensitivity to why they are a controversial choice. This certainly, isn't this individual because of the history involved.
I also don't believe that all trans-people believe that the way their rights are currently being fought for, with decisions like this, is necessarily helpful and productive, and in their best interests. Indeed I've seen a few MN posters say words to that effect and express their own fear at the backlash it could produce which might in fact endanger them.