Good news: Calderdale Council says women have rights, too

[BridgetYourFortyDaysAreUp]

Thanks to @IwantToRetire for finding this.

A majority of Calderdale councillors have voted down calls to denounce guidance from a public body as discriminatory towards trans individuals and impractical.

Instead, they determined that women's rights as outlined in the guidance should take precedence in decision-making. The Green Party contended that the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) guidance, which requires businesses to provide both single-sex and mixed-sex toilets and changing facilities amongst other measures, would also impose financial burdens.

https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/news/west-yorkshire-news/council-leader-tells-colleagues-get-34361692

Thanks @TheywontletmehavethenameIwant

"This isn't a club. You're not in Parliament. This is a local council – get a grip of yourselves," said Cllr Sutherland.

It seems that it was Labour and The Green Party pushing for the condemnation of the Guidance, and Reform introduced an amendment against this, which passed. So, it clearly was not unanimous, but still a bit of good news on the council front.

Ann Kingstone (Labour) wheeled out one of the well-used tropes:

Women's rights matter, they must be safe and there are circumstances where single-sex spaces are both necessary and lawful, she said, but added "we don't have to choose between protecting women and treating trans people with dignity and compassion, they are not competing groups."
[my bold]

Good. Trans rights are important and it's nice to see they have remembered women's rights are also important (i.e. 50% of the population).

The Greens are trying this on everywhere after the local elections. I've been in touch with my local [Labour] councillor to keep tabs on developments. There is going to be a vote, at some point.

Seriously irritated that women have to be "voted for" when we already have our rights enshrined in law.

Whatever. It's crumbling. We're getting there, and we're taking our stuff back!

Good. As it should be.

The vote isn't going to be about women at all, but about 'protecting trans rights'. Luckily my councillor is the deputy leader and knows I am watching with a keen eye.

Great news!

Just to say again, well done that Council 👏, the down to earth common sense Yorkshire was once known for. 😁