This Declaration has been initiated by members of the Green Party of England and Wales (GPEW) who believe in the right to advocate for women as a sex. Women’s rights, based on the reality of biological sex, have been eroded within the GPEW, as elsewhere in society. We believe the consequences of this disregard for the protected characteristic of sex are extremely damaging for women and girls, especially lesbians, mothers and those who are disabled. There now exists a chilling atmosphere of censure and fear within the Party, which affects not only free speech but also free thought.
Some signatories are long-term GPEW members appalled at the Party’s current trajectory of denying the rights and needs of women as a sex.
Some have left the party due to this issue, saddened and dismayed by the Party’s lack of support for open, respectful discussion.
Some have been expelled or suspended – often for months or years with no redress – for speaking out on women and children’s rights.
Some do not feel able to join or, in many cases, vote for the Party, despite supporting its environmental aims and many of its other policies, because they are deeply troubled that it seems unable to support women as a sex.
All of us long for there to be a strong, vibrant, democratic Green Party to advocate for environmental causes, for vital action on the climate crisis, for peace and international justice.
A democratic, open Party should actively welcome differing viewpoints and freedom of speech. The systemic harassment, discrimination and silencing of advocates for women’s rights within the GPEW, including via the complaints system, and on social media, must end.
We will advocate within the GPEW for women as a sex, as is our right in law.
This Declaration is a positive step towards achieving these aims in the GPEW and we call on Party members, especially those in leadership positions, to speak out and welcome our initiative.
