In her first interview since taking office, the incoming chairwoman of the Equalities and Human Rights Commission said it was “entirely reasonable” for people to challenge the biological status of women who were born as men.
Baroness Falkner of Margravine added it was a “freedom of belief” the commission was determined to protect.
“Someone can believe that people who self identify as a different sex are not the different sex that they self identify,” she said. “A lot of people would find this an entirely reasonable belief.”
.. the commission has now backed Forstater’s appeal, arguing that the judge incorrectly interpreted the law that should have protected her right to freedom of belief and speech.
“The principles are absolutely clear, which is why we took a position to intervene in the case,” Falkner said. “The principles are that freedom of belief is protected.
... Falkner said she was concerned that current levels of abuse were making it difficult for people to exercise their fundamental rights — protected by the EHRC — such as freedom of speech and belief.
“There is too much self censorship going on — certainly in terms of gender critical theory,” she said. “And what happens to women who raise that does seem to be an effect on them of abuse and stigmatisation.
“We ought to be able to have a debate about it, even when we disagree with them, without them feeling so isolated.”
I've just pulled out these quotes because I think it is right given her position to refer to it as a matter of belief, because the TRAs saying it is what they believe. She is saying they may believe that but others can equally believe the opposite and should not be bullied or silenced for saying it. (Given that the context is the really stupid remark by the judge saying MF's beliefs were not worthy of respect - idiot!)