Andrew Gilligan
Be kinder on gender, begs Jan Morris
The writer and sex-change pioneer calls for tolerance amid a bullying campaign against opponents of the right to ‘self-identify’
(Extract)
Her comments come as friends of Penny Mordaunt, the minister for women and equalities, who is in charge of the consultation, said extremists on “both sides” were making the issue “more complicated”.
Mordaunt hopes to make a decision quickly after the consultation ends on October 19. The politician, a likely Tory leadership contender, faces a dilemma, with substantial opposition to the proposals in her party despite public support from the prime minister.
Sunday Times research shows that at least 15 public meetings held by feminist groups opposed to the proposals have been invaded, threatened, picketed, closed down or forced to move venue by transgender activists.
There have been at least six incidents of violence or intimidation against opponents of the reforms, with one trans activist convicted of assault. At least 11 opponents of the change have been targeted through their jobs.
Trans campaigners are bringing private criminal prosecutions against three opponents after the authorities refused to prosecute them.
Feminists say the reforms would allow any man who identified as a woman into protected female spaces such as changing rooms. Trans activists say anyone who identifies as a woman must be treated as such."
concludes:
"Only 18% of the public back the reforms, according to a YouGov poll. Yet few frontline politicians have spoken against them. “The silencing campaign has been successful,” said David Davies, the Tory MP for Monmouth, who has himself been subjected to three complaints by trans activists, all dismissed. “This is supposed to be a public consultation, but actually having a consultation and debate is the last thing the transgender lobby wants.”