Observer Article today

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I don't know if anyone has already posted

www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2022/dec/18/scotland-controversial-proposed-gender-reforms

That’s excellent. Thank you OP

Very powerful. No excuses. Any MSP who votes for this bill now knows exactly what they are voting for and should be judged accordingly.

Thank you for link.

I was just about to post this. I hope it makes MSPs find some guts

Came straight here to post about this! Very clearly set out article.

Thank you for the link.

‘The respectful compromise would be to introduce a form of legal self-identification for gender identity for trans people while clarifying that this does not change someone’s sex for the purposes of the Equality Act. A clear distinction between gender identity and biological sex in law would balance the legitimate rights of trans people and those of women, protecting both groups against discrimination but establishing beyond doubt that it is lawful to provide female-only services for women as a matter of privacy, dignity and safety. But in Scotland and Westminster, self-described progressive politicians have proved too gutless to advocate balance and compromise. It is marginalised women – in prison, in domestic abuse services, and who require intimate care as a result of disability – who will bear the consequences of their cowardice.’

Excellent

That’s very clear (and respectful)

It is a good summary - I have sent it to a few people

This is fab, not just an article, an editorial. This is the Observer laying out their stall. LOJ will be spitting chips.

Great article. Is it on Twitter yet? I can just imagine the response on their from TRAs...

I came on to post this.

I almost fell off the chair reading it. Sense, clarity, consideration, respect.

Where the fuck has this been for the last decade?

I know it's the Observer, but loving the fact I read it on the Guardian app.

Can I just clarify something as I hadn’t fully understood the self ID bill’s implications till now - please tell me this doesn’t mean that orgs like Beira’s Place will be legally unable to turn away men with GRCs?

Very clear article on why Scotland is mistaken in this reform and also clear on the consequences. Appalled by the judgement last week - the SNP government appears to be dealing in doublethink.

please tell me this doesn’t mean that orgs like Beira’s Place will be legally unable to turn away men with GRCs?

It certainly makes it more difficult to justify their position in law. But I don't think it's impossible. I've no legal expertise though, that's just what I've picked up on Twitter.

This would be a great opportunity for Scottish Labour to show the way for the Labour Party to change direction. And just maybe I'd be able to vote Labour again. I'm a bit of an optimist though and I know, I know - pigs/fly, leopard/spots hell/freeze etc...

I find it hard to believe that Scottish labour are supporting this. I’m not sure their target electorate are in favour.

The Observer have been consistently GC for a good while now. Sonia Sodha in particular is great. I do love that online it looks like it's in the Guardian!

Shared it with a circle of friends who know my views. We generally only talk to each other about other stuff. A couple had dropped direct contact with me a while ago because they disagree with my views. Others had been silent. One has told me they are pleased I shared it. I'll take that as progress.

“A Scottish male sex offender who identifies as a woman sexually assaulted a ten-year-old girl and has been placed in a women’s prison…”

The ten-year-old girl - she’s just collateral damage? And the female prisoners too - collateral damage? Just so the Emperor can still be said to be wearing his clothes and nobody loses face?

This is an excellent article. Thank you for the link.

Ah yes. The deafening silence. It’s great to discover women with whom you can share your concerns, though.

that's a cracker

thanks for linking

Gutless - too damn right. That's exactly what lots of politicians have been to date.

Fab 👍👍

Whereareyourshoes

A clear distinction between gender identity and biological sex in law would balance the legitimate rights of trans people and those of women, protecting both groups against discrimination but establishing beyond doubt that it is lawful to provide female-only services for women as a matter of privacy, dignity and safety.

That would be the reasonable and sensible thing to do. Unfortunately, Nicola Sturgeon needs the Greens onside and they're barking zealots, who insist "TWAW, no debate." It's a big driver of her determination to ram it through, despite the opposition of a majority of the population.