Questions to ask councillors who want my vote

[dumpling23]

Just that really. I'm a member of the labour party and want to ask the two people seeking re-election of they believe humans can change sex. I don't and have seen the problems unfolding in my workplace but I'm wondering which policy domains are relevant for local councillors as the problems posed at work don't seem so relevant. Thanks

I had a visit from a local councillor today. We chatted generally. Then I mentioned the "couple of issues" that were preventing me from deciding how to vote. We had a discussion in which the the 4 points that bother me were made:

confusing communications to kids at school which compromise safeguarding; the loss of women's spaces, language, and sex based protections; the problem of discussing any of this in the public sphere; the hard of thinking approach taken by party leaders of simply repeating mantra, when asked a straightforward question about sex and gender.

What interested me most is that the councillor I spoke to seemed unaware of these issues (not sure entirely whether I was being tested on my views/research on the topic). So I think approaching one's concerns generally on the door step is a good move. They are reasonable concerns to have.

I emailed my local Labour candidate with concerns similar to those of @JoodyBlue, following an email from her asking for support. Two weeks later, no reply.

Lucky I don't have this problem with the greens and lib Dems, I just close the door after I tell them I'd love to vote for them, but they asked me not to. Then I hold the letter box closed as they try to stuff things through. Its cathartic Ive not had any labour lot, but if mps have made it clear your votes not wanted, respect their demands. Their little faces light up for a moment then a look of confusion as the for closes. Handy tip is to shout "I'll not waste your time, as the rattle at the letter box. Next election they'll come begging.

I do wonder though, if MPs are trying to shove this "toxic" issue under the carpet, then the more doorstep argument that local councillors face and report, the better. A spoiled ballot or refusing to engage - I agree it's cathartic :) but I do still think, there isn't enough sunlight on these issues, so we should the take the opportunity to shine a light where we can I reckon.

Thanks all! I kept it very simple. I described how a man who started identifying as 'non-binary' joined our women's group at work and undermined our campaigning on the treatment and pay of women in our workplace by reframing the problem as one of pronouns. I asked: do they believe TWAW? Should men identifying as women be allowed to use female facilities on council premises? Should a man be allowed to stand on an all women's short list if he identifies as a man? Let's see!

I hope you get a reply.

I'm expecting a doorstep conversation soon which will probably go something like this

"I'm reluctant to vote Labour because most Labour MPs don't know what a woman is. Do you know?"

"A woman is anyone who identifies as a woman"

I like that GNCQ - not too confrontational and lets them decide whether they favour facts or fantasy for their political future..

Door slam is not arguing a case - argue the case! It is what we are good at isn't it? The case is indisputable. Put the fuckers on the spot with your words guys.

Agree with Joodyblue - if you have the time and won't put yourself at unacceptable risk, please DO engage/argue!

Just as an example: I was an ardent remainer during the run-up to Brexit, and while I accepted the vote of the peoples of the UK, I continued to object to the removal of Scotland from the Single Market. I found myself - arguing this case in and around Edinburgh in 2016-2019 - in the company of very many Lib Dems. Not necessarily office-holders or office-seekers, but a lot of die-hard party members and activists, mainly men in their 40s/50s and older. These guys were mainly Ming Campbell/Charles Kennedy-era libs, and had absolutely no idea what their party was doing to women and women's rights. I encountered shock, disbelief, and resistance - so do be prepared for that. But many of them did get it. I'd think party candidates would be even more receptive.

I don't know how many of them took action on the basis of my and other feminists among the anti-No Deal Brexit brigade telling them what was going on, but I hope at least we planted a seed that they thought/think about when anti-woman genderist idiocy raises its head now.

I find this manifesto on women's rights from WomanSpeak Scotland - both the manifesto itself and the guidance about talking to public officials about any or all of the principles - very useful and I think in the absence of anything more specific, it is useable UK-wide.

I’d like to engage with any canvassers on a relevant policy for councils, so focussing on schools and safeguarding seems the most appropriate. I’m most likely to only get the party currently holding balance of power locally. I noticed my council uses/promotes the Cornwall/Intercom Trust transgender in schools policy www.intercomtrust.org.uk/item/55-schools-transgender-guidance-july-2015
Obviously i will ask whether they have subsequently looked at Transgender Trend material www.transgendertrend.com/transgender-schools-guidance/

But struggling to frame this

I think the simplest is the "Anna from Warwickshire" question. Women's rights are incredibly important to me - what do you consider a woman to be?

If the answer includes the word "woman", eg anyone who feels like a woman, they need to define that. Anyone who feels like a what?
I would have no confidence in someone claiming to support or protect a group they can't define.

@dumpling23

Thanks all! I kept it very simple. I described how a man who started identifying as 'non-binary' joined our women's group at work and undermined our campaigning on the treatment and pay of women in our workplace by reframing the problem as one of pronouns. I asked: do they believe TWAW? Should men identifying as women be allowed to use female facilities on council premises? Should a man be allowed to stand on an all women's short list if he identifies as a man? Let's see!

These are excellent questions, specific and relevant to their role as a potential councillor. Also doesn't allow them to be vague or spin it back to you. What was the response OP?

I agree with Sessell's post - good questions. Would be interested in the response