ArcheryAnnie - any errors are mine;
Brighton Quakers were asked to hire out one of their rooms to a campaign group set up to ensure that women's voices are heard in the debate around proposals to change the Gender Recognition Act. Having considered the issue further and having consulted with other interested parties we have decided to cancel the booking. we have not come to that decision lightly.
The meeting which was to have taken place in our building was advertised as including spoken contributions from people active in the area of natal women's rights who have expressed concern about the implications of the proposed changed to The Gender Recognition Act. The meeting was to have been open to anyone who bought a valid ticket via an internet booking site. As such, the attendance was not limited to members of the campaign group and we believe it likely that many tickets have been bought by people, including Trans women, strinly opposed to the vies being expressed by the events organisers.
Similar events have been run in other parts of the country and have resulted in acrimony and discord. the organisers of the meeting planned to be held in Brighton were made aware that they would need the services of a private security company to maintain public order. We are also mindful that Brighton Trans Pride is being held in the same week (including events taking place close to Brighton Quakers' premises on the same evening) and that the annual Trans, Non Binary and Intersex conference is due to be held at Brighton University on 19/2- July.
We are extremely uneasy that our decision may result in the suppression of free speech and in particular suppression of natal women's voices. However, we do not believe that a meeting of this kind (open to all with a purchased ticket but focused on one particular viewpoint) will enhance the wider debate or mutual understanding of the very strongly held concerns of different parties. We think it more likely to aggravate the situation.
Instead we intend to work with local groups and agencies to set up one or more meetings at which the different views and concerns can be addressed with the help of people skilled in mediation. If it is appropriate to all concerned we would be happy to offer our Meeting House as a venue for these (flora?) We will ensure that all voices are heard in a safe, respectful and thoughtful atmosphere. We believe
this approach reflects out Qualer commitment ''to respect that of God in everyone though it be expressed in unfamiliar ways or be difficult to detect''. It will also align with our historic commitment to work for peace.
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