There are reports in the UK and USA (amongst other countries) of women being forced to share prison accommodation with 'intact' natal men who self-ID as women. There are also reported incidences where female officers have been assaulted by trans men (and of natal women in prisons, already traumatised and powerless, being assaulted by male… Continue reading Trans women in prison
Category: Legal & the Law
The Scottish legislation on the GRA Reform Bill
The Scotland GRA Reform Bill proposes changes to the Gender Recognition Act 2004, to enable a system of self-ID with no need for a diagnosis of gender dysphoria and a lowering of the age from 18 to 16 for a gender recognition certificate. Debate on this issue has been lively. Three responses to the consultation… Continue reading The Scottish legislation on the GRA Reform Bill
Women’s refuges: Who needs single-sex spaces? Where and why?
In what circumstances does UK law permit single-sex spaces? And is the law as it stands adequate and properly administered? This is a recent judgement on single-sex spaces enablement What can be done to meet all needs and expectations? ** Unisex changing rooms put women in danger https://fairplayforwomen.com/unisex-changing-rooms-put-women-in-danger/ tbc
‘Gender’ education and training in the workplace
Training on equality, diversity and sexuality is becoming a routine part of in-service provision in many organisations; and now that training is often delivered by external providers. It has therefore become quite big business. The course content transparency that might be hoped for is not however always available because of claimed copyright, commercial and other… Continue reading ‘Gender’ education and training in the workplace
What are the implications of the June 2022 Roe vs Wade US Supreme Court judgement?
The June 2022 US Supreme Court judgement on abortion ('termination') is thought to have set back women's rights by half a century, How should feminists outside America view this judgement and what, if anything, can they do about it? How might this judgement impact on other areas of feminist concern? ** Fawcett, July 2022: Should… Continue reading What are the implications of the June 2022 Roe vs Wade US Supreme Court judgement?
Does the sex, gender and trans debate highlight conflicting human rights?
To what extent can these different claimed rights be resolved, and how? Conflicting rights is commonplace in equality legislation. It is necessary to find a balance for all concerned parties when considering new policies, or individuals needs. Equality Impact Assessment and Public Sector Equality Duty, require organisations to critically review their policies, assessing any impact… Continue reading Does the sex, gender and trans debate highlight conflicting human rights?
Public perceptions of sex, gender and trans-ID
This survey was undertaken in 2020, and the findings in the second set of questions follow from the conditions 'established' in the first set of responses. Do these views still stand? What can be the political messages gleaned from them? ** From the (UK) NHS: Gender identity and why it is important to ask about… Continue reading Public perceptions of sex, gender and trans-ID
What is a man? What specifically ‘male’ experiences may shape men’s lives?
We have already asked, 'What is a woman?' A parallel question must be asked, 'What is a man?' One answer which focuses on masculinity is provided by this recently published article in the Washington Post: The reinvention of a 'real man' tbc
What is a woman? How does our lived experience of bodily functions shape our lives?
The May 2022 Prospect Magazine has an article asking What is a Woman? https://www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/magazine/what-is-a-woman-biology-identity And an earlier one by Angela Santini also asked What is a Woman? (Prospect Magazine, Summer 2021). https://www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/magazine/what-is-a-woman Andy Lewis suggests that the proliferation of articles about this question is a deliberate attempt to eliminate the concept of woman in objective terms… Continue reading What is a woman? How does our lived experience of bodily functions shape our lives?
Is sex (as a category) really necessary?
A recent report has suggested that we ask whether the concept of 'sex' as a way to categorise people is really necessary. Pink News' headlines for 11 May 2022 are that 'Abolishing legal sex and gender comes with many, many pros, radical new report finds'. The Pink News report tell us that '... (UK) law… Continue reading Is sex (as a category) really necessary?
Gender transitioning, recognition and single sex provisions.
Are the current UK arrangements for single sex services adequate? Some background: In the UK a change in gender of an adult can be confirmed by a Gender Recognition Certificate, a route to transitioning which has been available since the Gender Recognition Act of 2004, effective in April 2005. This 2004 Act was brought into… Continue reading Gender transitioning, recognition and single sex provisions.
At risk groups: Can trades unions help establish real risk levels?
There is debate about the reality of otherwise of risks for women, trans, gay and lesbian people and others in shared intimate spaces. Who must take responsibility for assessing the evidence of real risks to (variously defined) vulnerable groups? Do trades unions have a role here? And if so, how? Is there a tension between… Continue reading At risk groups: Can trades unions help establish real risk levels?
Labour Women Voices 