I’m looking at putting a motion to Council regarding concerns over the proposed changes to the GRA, but I want to make sure I have my argument completely clear and watertight. I’ve looked at the 5 demands on WP’s website, which are:
- 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 or 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.
But would these fit into a Council motion calling on the Government to act? Points 4 & 5 - would the opposition not just argue that a consultation is taking place at the moment. I’m a bit confused about those points - does it mean that we want further consultation?
Any other help/advice on it is very welcome!