I wrote to him in December 2017 and he’s just got back to me. Can I c&p his response? He’s a LD MP and I have always really liked him.
His reply
Before I begin, I must sincerely apologise for the extreme delay in my response. It appears that your email was misfiled and has only recently come to light, for this error, I am very sorry.
Thank you for writing to me regarding the possible reform of the Gender Recognition Act. Liberal Democrats welcome discussion designed to address genuine concerns and further greater understanding.
The Gender Recognition Act currently allows transgender people to have their lived-in gender legally recognised. Issues such as access to gender-restricted spaces and services are covered under the Equality Act, which incorporates much case law from the last 30 or so years.
The debate now is whether self-declaration of gender - separate from any operation - is acceptable, and how that can be implemented.
I and my party, the Liberal Democrats, are in favour of respectful and evidence-based discussion. While I do agree that women often struggle to have their voices heard, it is similarly true for transgender people who often find themselves the subject of ill-informed and misleading comment.
Fortunately considerable evidence is available - from other countries where a self-declaration process has been introduced. In countries such as Ireland, Norway, Malta and Denmark, there have been no reported adverse effects of a self-declaration process.
On implementation of wider rights to transgender people, it is the case that the Equality Act and various pieces of legislation covering public order offences already govern access to gender-segregated spaces and services.
Any request to exclude transgender women from women-only spaces must be justified under that law.
The evidence suggests that transgender women experience significant sexual abuse and domestic violence, and already access appropriate women’s services to assist them. Such services must assess the risk any possible service user poses. Any woman, whether transgender or not, can be excluded from such services if they are deemed to place themselves, other service users or providers at risk. Given the lack of incidents involving transgender women in women-only spaces, there would have to be a strong case based on evidence to change the existing law.
The publication of the Women and Equalities Select Committee’s report did not change the Equality Act nor any of the exemptions legally allowed, and it is important to be mindful of the discrimination already faced by transgender people.
Liberal Democrats understand that the government intends its consultation on reform of the Gender Recognition Act to involve discussions with interested and affected groups, which will include women’s groups. Women have not been and will not be silenced during this process, Liberal Democrats will ensure this continues to be the case.
The number of transgender women is relatively small compared to the number of women overall, so it is unlikely there will be any substantial effect on data recording. It is the Equality Act that covers the concept of perception, so that if discrimination occurs on the basis that someone is perceived as a woman, then this counts as sex-based discrimination.
The current gender recognition process has been identified as cumbersome and costly, as well as demeaning to transgender people – they never meet the panel and there is no right of appeal. Other identity documents, such as passports and driving licences, have been obtained by self-declaration of gender for decades. The recommended changes cut an anonymous, bureaucratic process and give some dignity back to transgender people.
Whether by righting past wrongs, protecting citizens, or increasing freedom, Liberal Democrats believe that legislation defending rights and liberties protects individuals and drives opportunity for many under-represented groups. Liberal Democrats will continue to fight for the rights of these groups, including the rights of all women. If you have any further concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out again.
I do recognise that this is a relatively new debate, and I confess that I have already learnt a lot in the last two years of engaging in it - so please do feel free to respond to my reply, with any questions or concerns.
Even if we don't agree totally, I am genuinely keen to understand your views and position. Too much of the debate I've seen has regrettably not been conducted with sufficient respect for different views.
Thank you for contacting me - and once again, please accept my apologies for the delay in replying