Today R4

[stargirl1701]

Discussion on now about trans issues with Maria Miller. 7.25am.

That was deeply depressing. The "gender critical" Tory was Mary Douglas:

www.itv.com/news/2013-05-20/the-conservative-party-no-longer-represents-my-views/

and the "pro-trans" Tory was Maria Miller. Douglas came out with reactionary and garbled arguments which sounded like trans is caused by mental illness and drug use. Miller said that 50% of trans kids attempt suicide.

I turn off the radio when trans is discussed. I just can't bear it.

You are wiser than me MorrisZapp.

I never fail to be astonished when I hear these discussions. The government is proposing a huge change without having (1) studied properly or applied any critical thought to the evidence and the reasons and (2) thought about possible problems ("maybe some feminists will get their knickers in a twist").

It's scary to realise that this must be how most government decisions are made.

Anyway, for those with a spare laptop they don't mind smashing up in anger, it's just before 1:22:

www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b08ylr7p#play

I can't bear to listen to the traitor to her sex bloody Millar.

Is there any point complaining about it being unbalanced and spouting discredited "facts" about suicide like that 50% statistic?

Douglas came out with reactionary and garbled arguments which sounded like trans is caused by mental illness and drug use

I didn't hear it but according to the Guardian report she used the same mental health issue/ comparing it to anorexia argument which is frequently used on this forum.

I think it was clear in the interview that Mary Douglas is anti-trans as its against her christian faith.

Why is it still called the women and Equality Committee? Is it because women are now completely excluded from equality?

I think it was clear in the interview that Mary Douglas is anti-trans as its against her christian faith.

I bet that was deliberate, to make it look like all opposition is from the Christian Right. So dishonest.

Indeed venus, thereby potentially undermining opposition in the minds of some listeners who think it's just reactionary and bigoted. Also I and I'm sure many others aren't "anti-trans", rather anti the erosion of women.

would there be any point in getting More or Less to look at the suicide statistic? They ALWAYS bandy that one around and it is complete bollocks

And the murder ones.

Yes, Venus. That is what I thought too. Right wing reactionary Christianity being seen as the opposition which most folk will disregard.