I've noticed a couple of threads started recently along the lines of "Why are Mumsnetters so obsessed with trans issues" or the less subtle "Why do Mumsnetters hate transwomen?".
I'm sure these are all posted in good faith and that people have genuine concerns about 'transphobia'
In the spirit of full and frank debate then, I'd like to ask some of the people who have called others 'transphobic', 'not really feminists' etc what their specific objections are to the 5 demands laid out below. I look forward to a measured discussion:-
- Respectful and evidence based discussion about the impact of the proposed changes to the Gender Recognition Act to be allowed to take place and for women’s voices to be heard;
- The principle of women only spaces to be upheld – and where necessary extended.
- A review of how the exemptions in the Equality Act which allow for single sex services or requirements that only a woman can apply for a job (such as in a domestic violence refuge) are being applied in practice;
- Government to consult with women’s organisations on how self-declaration would impact on women only services and spaces;
- Government to consult on how self-declaration will impact upon data gathering – such as crime, employment, pay, and health statistics – and monitoring of sex-based discrimination such as the gender pay gap.