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The outgoing SNP women's convener has warned candidates for the role about how they will spend their time dealing with aggressive feminists. Some choice quotes:
the outgoing convener Fiona Robertson says a significant portion of her time in the post has been spent dealing with the “abusive behaviour” towards members who express “support for equalities”.
Speaking to The National, Robertson warned of “an anti-trans lobby” working “with the homophobic right in the USA”.
“A lot of people in Scotland are being radicalised against trans people; they call it peak trans-ing,” she said.
“These groups are well-organised and effective online, so the abuse they target at anyone who speaks up in support of trans people’s rights is grinding. As a disabled woman with fluctuating energy and depression, it was overwhelming, and it was important that people stepping forward understood how tough it can be.”
Six women are standing for the Women’s Convener role – which for the first time will now be separate from the Equalities Convener position.
^Colette Walker who hasn’t signed the pledge, told The National: “I support LGBT rights but there are real concerns that any male who wants to identify as female to enter female safe spaces, or positions reserved for females or female sports. If Out4Indy offer that reassurance I would be happy to sign.”
Walker is, however, the only candidate to have backed a Women’s Pledge.^
The commitment, backed by Cherry, says “women have the right to maintain their sex-based protections as set out in the Equality Act 2010.”