Women and Equalities Committee to look at self-id again *edited by MNHQ at OP's request*

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But this time as an inquiry. Short deadline - 27th Nov

committees.parliament.uk/call-for-evidence/291/reform-of-the-gender-recognition-act/?fbclid=IwAR3xdnVoJjjUTAeELJkdDbq-omKZxxrDZj1g-9D_vClsTPaDkxxzd6xyIyc

I cannot fucking believe this. Have we actually had the full consultation published from last time yet? This just feels like they’re trying to backdoor it again and it’s a VERY short response time. Fucks sake

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There's definitely been a massive load of backroom moaning. Crispin Blunt was demanding an inquiry immediately the consultation results were announced when his instructions were not going to be obeyed. It's going to be never ending. Shelia Jeffries said that in talks she gave. Men will never stop trying to renegotiate women's rights as Ralph Lucas says. We are in this for the long haul.

Lots of people saying "they" above - you have to be clear there are different "they"s.

The GRA consultation was carried out by the Government.

This is an all-party Parliamentary committee.

So I’ve got to write, research, edit, re-edit another f*ing essay?! I don’t know if I’ve got it in me. Well-argued first-person testimony would be best and not template answers (from either side). It’s exhausting but it’s got to be done. Really spell it out to them again. AGAIN.

@NonnyMouse1337

What is the difference between an inquiry and a consultation? Why are the same / similar questions being asked again?

The government brings forward legislation, which includes a consultation, usually set out in a Green Paper, before preparing a draft bill set out in a White Paper.

The select committee isn't the government but a group of MPs, elected by MPs to reflect the parties' numerical strength in the House, and holding inquiries into a specific area of policy. The work of committees is intended to improve the standard of policy-making, resulting in better legislation. They do not bring legislation but publish reports and recommendations.
"The Women and Equalities Committee examines the work of the Government Equalities Office (GEO). It holds Government to account on equality law and policy, including the Equality Act 2010 and cross Government activity on equalities. It also scrutinises the Equality and Human Rights Commission."

This inquiry is being launched on the back of government's proposals for changes to the GRA announced recently by Liz Truss:
"The Government has published its proposals for changes to the gender recognition process and set out how it plans to move forward. The Women and Equalities Committee will examine these proposals, gathering evidence on whether the Government’s proposed changes are the right ones and whether they go far enough.
This inquiry will explore what changes, if any, should be made to the existing legislation, in order for current legislation to improve transgender equality.
The written evidence published as part of this inquiry will be used to inform the work of the Committee."

As there is a question on the GRA(Scotland) do you think they will accept submissions from Scotland? I know this is a devolved matter but as I contributed to the Scottish consultation do you think if I concentrated only on the question about the Scottish act, that I could send a submission to Westminster too,

@NecessaryScene1

Lots of people saying "they" above - you have to be clear there are different "they"s.

The GRA consultation was carried out by the Government.

This is an all-party Parliamentary committee.

Yes, good point, but the consultation followed the recommendations of that shambolic 2015 inquiry and subsequent report by the women and equalities committee. The current chair Caroline Nokes has written what looks like a very biased article in the Times. No mention of women. If the new Conservative chair of the women and equalities committee can't see this from women's pov by now, I think it's safe to assume that the government as a whole hasn't learned anything.

Kathleen Stock on the 2015 inquiry:
medium.com/@kathleenstock/womens-place-talk-full-text-house-of-lords-oct-10th-2018-b1f3d70c4559

I just don't have the time or the energy to provide a load of evidence again. Why do we have to keep saying the same thing over and over?

Because they aren't hearing us because they aren't listening Valancy.

It's frustrating I know, I've been fuming all day, but this isn't the govt asking and if we don't someone else will and we know who will do it, on our behalf and without asking.

We have a month. I've calmed down a bit since this morning. I'm going to go through this thread and the twitter threads and gather my thoughts. I'm no genius but if anyone wants my copy to crib from DM and I'll share it. It's time consuming and tedious so happy to help to provide short cuts but we should all write individual responses.

Safe schools, LGB Alliance and FPFW will be submitting along with all the other groups that were created after the GRA consultation. There are so many of us now.

Nice try ' Women' and Equalities Committee but we've got this.

Again.

Those wishing to remove womens rights sure are relentless

The framing needs to be changed on reporting about this IMO. Its always put across as 'women righting against/to remove trans rights', when infact it is us trying to NOT have our own rights removed. We aren't just being big meanies for no reason, and we don't want anyone to not have 'human right'

I think also cc your MP. There will be others trying to influence in ways beyond a written reply.

Thanks very much for the explanation, Abitofalark. Makes sense now.

It is tedious to have to keep sending in these submissions, but it looks like a good opportunity to have our voices feed into the decision making. A lot more women are aware of the issues compared to the first time around; there's more information and papers published; more grassroots women's orgs set up dealing with specific areas of concern. It will be great if women and women's groups were invited for an oral hearing.

Thanks ohholyjesus (genuflects) I may take you up on that. Feeling the strain today!

Its a shame there are two threads on this as many of these questions have been answered.

This isn't a "new" enquiry. It is part of the usual Parliamentary procedure that after a Department makes a report (ie Liz Truss) the relevent Committee then looks at it to see how it can or can not be implemented.

See WPUK for ways of responding.

Even a quick look at the Committee web page explains why they are doing this.

Or go to www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/4062862-CALL-FOR-ACTION-Women-Equalities-committee-calling-for-evidence-on-GRA-reform-again

I am exasperated beyond measure that despite a Committee report, consultation and final ministerial statement Caroline Noakes seems unable to stop picking the scab. But you know what? I'm not giving up. If they think they can grind me down they have chosen the wrong person. This time women are ready and have gathered enormous amounts of evidence and expertise. And we won't give up. Ever.

And we won't give up. Ever.

Too fucking right Tawny.

I was born for this.

Thank you stimbledin so this is standard procedure? That's slightly reassuring but I still have 2 concerns:
Firstly the terms of reference seem very narrow - there's little or no mention of women. Is there a danger that any concerns women raise will be deemed out of scope and therefore not considered?

Secondly the chair of the committee has penned an article in The Times which suggests she is not impartial.

But I'm no parliamentarian so is either concern valid does anyone know?

Did anyone else hear Caroline Nokes being interviewed on the radio the other day? She said she disagreed with LT's decision on self ID, and made all sorts of noises about lots more work/investigation to come on it. It worried me.