Trans-rights
There was one motion on the issue of Trans-rights, this is/was 242. RETURN THE CONCEPT OF FEMINISM WHERE IT BELONGS on p121 of the agenda document. At the centre of this motion is the call that “the position that feminism should focus on embracing intersectionality and supporting all women, including transgender women, and not just those who conform to traditional gender norms. “ It was moved by Chiorstaidh Reichle; the moving and seconding speeches are on youtube.
I felt that both speeches were of high quality, full of empathy and knowledge.
There were also two emergency motions, (5&6) one on a workplace response primarily to the EHRC guidance since modified and one on the inadequate and un-inclusive process followed by the Supreme Ciurt and EHRC in developing their guidance.
These debates were preceded by a speech by Dr Victoria McCloud on the iniquity of the court ruling and the EHRC guidance. This is a powerful and moving speech.
The motion text is overleaf/below.
This article has been back dated to about the time of occurrence. In fact of about the time of the debate of the emergency motions, the timetabled motion, was debated on Wednesday. This may be best read with [some of], the following documents, the final agenda document, and GMB’s Congress page which contains all the documents
Here is the text of the motion,
242. RETURN THE CONCEPT OF FEMINISM WHERE IT BELONGS
This Congress proposes an idea to separate feminism from the gender critical movement to safeguard all women, indicating that both movements are not compatible.
Feminism advocates for equality between men and women, whereas the gender critical movement questions the validity of gender identity and its impact on society. Opponents of the motion may argue that feminism and the gender critical movement both share a common goal of protecting women’s rights and challenging societal norms, and that separating them may weaken the struggle for gender equality.
The gender critical movement’s discourse often excludes and marginalizes transgender women, who are also vulnerable to misogyny and violence.
Ultimately, the debate around this motion highlights the complexity and diversity of feminist perspectives and the ongoing need to address the intersectionality of gender, sexuality, race, and other social factors.
Congress we ask:
- GMB to recognise the position that feminism should focus on embracing intersectionality and supporting all women, including transgender women, and not just those who conform to traditional gender norms.
- GMB ensures that equality training is available for both stewards and our members.
- GMB to remind members of this commitment and encourage adherence to this principle.