March 2018 when Millwall cancelled the 'We Need to Talk' meeting and it was then hosted at Westminster, I seem to remember that Leanne Woods made one of the first and strongest statements.
thread:
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3195297-Leanne-Wood-has-responded-to-her-tweet
statement extract:
"In response to a tweet in which I stated that I believe trans women are women, and that Plaid Cymru is committed to equality for all trans people, many people have asked me to elaborate on my statement, which I want to do here.
Respectful debate is a crucial part of feminist politics. However, some responses to my tweet showed that transphobic views are being voiced by a small but vocal minority. Stonewall research shows that 41% of trans young people in Wales have attempted suicide – the climate of fear, misinformation and hatred that has come with this debate will directly harm trans people who already face much higher rates of bullying and mental health issues.
Trans women in Wales experience particular challenges, including increased vulnerability to domestic abuse, violence, harassment, hate crime and homelessness. The bureaucratic and demeaning process of gender recognition under the current Gender Recognition Act is an additional barrier to equality. I believe that a system of gender recognition where people would be trusted to be the authority on their own identities – like they already have in Ireland and Malta – would be much more progressive.
I used to work as a support worker for Women’s Aid, and so I know how important domestic violence services are. I don’t agree with those who say that allowing trans women to access these services endangers other women. The proposed changes to the Gender Recognition Act don’t affect the exemptions under the Equality Act for single sex services. However most women-only services wouldn’t consider a blanket ban on all trans women and many services have been providing trans-inclusive support for years. The staff who run support services and shelters make informed decisions in the best interests of survivors all the time, including assessing whether an individual is likely to pose a risk to other people.
If services were to refuse access to all trans women and non-binary people, where are they supposed to go when they face abuse, violence or homelessness? The appalling experiences of trans women housed in male prisons shows why it’s so important that people are given appropriate accommodation and support.
Violence against women is a huge problem – but denying trans people equal respect and recognition under the law is not going to solve that problem, neither will turning vulnerable people away from support services. The example from Scotland of women’s organisations there coming together to support reform of the Gender Recognition Act and affirm their commitment to trans inclusion is one we should follow in Wales." (continues)