Petition Update – Green Women's Declaration

Green Women’s Declaration Update

The weekend of the 6-8 October 2023 saw the Green Party Conference in Brighton where the party celebrated 50 years since formation. We took leaflets about the declaration and our now infamous Green Women’s Declaration banner (more about that later) determined to spread the word about our campaign.

We had many, many members come up to us and THANK us for speaking out. They felt reassured where previously they had felt fear, they felt a sense of belonging where previously they had felt isolated, they felt a sense of relief that FINALLY someone was standing up for women’s rights. Many were proud to have signed but many remain in the shadows, only able to give us their discreet support.

Some long standing members described how just by existing we are an act of resistance against the authoritarian tyranny that currently grips the party – seeking to silence women’s voices and ride roughshod over our hard won sex-based rights. Whilst we are publicly ignored by the party, we know our existence makes them deeply uncomfortable.

“First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win.” – Mahatma Gandhi

Dramatic events
The conference saw some dramatic events that prove we are needed now more than ever. Our GWD leaflets were torn from people’s hands, ripped up in front of them and our banner was attacked and damaged by GPW Co-Chair and Parliamentary Candidate, Chesca Walton. You can find out more by watching this video:

Article in The Critic
This sort of abuse is nothing new for Gender Critical voices within the party. Such attacks are precisely why the declaration exists. One of our signatories, Nathan Williams, has written a brilliant article about the ongoing aggression towards GC members and why this crisis needs to be addressed now, before it’s too late: https://thecritic.co.uk/it-isnt-easy-being-a-gender-critical-green/

What can you do?
So, what can you do, now, to help bring this insanity to a close? Well, if you’re a Green Party Member we urge you to share the Green Party’s own current legal advice with your local party. Ask your local party officers to distribute the advice to all members. It is a disgrace that we are having to do this when the party has had this information for months – so much damage to the party could have been prevented if GPEx and GPRC had taken action to prevent discrimination against members – but they remain silent, happy for the abuses to continue and in many instances being complicit with it. Here is a copy of the advice if you haven’t read it. It makes clear that those of us who believe in sex-based rights and single sex provisions have every right to speak out in favour of them.

If you are not a party member, you can still help! Write to your local party, tell them about the advice, say why you are no longer a member if you resigned over this issue. Don’t forget you can also urge friends to write too. Tell them we need their help, now more than ever.

With thanks for your ongoing support,
Green Women’s Declaration

To sign up for email updates visit https://mailchi.mp/f4f1a139cde3/green-womens-declaration

1000 Signatories and rising!

Together we are being heard – Together we’re spreading the word

Word is spreading about the Green Declaration for Women’s Sex-Based Rights. It’s been so exciting to see the growing number of people adding their names each day, since the launch on 4^th August. People in and around the Green Party of England and Wales (GPEW) are speaking up through the Declaration, voicing their commitment to the importance of affirming women’s sex-based rights. Together we are being heard and together we’re spreading the word!

We’ve hit 1,000 signatories at the end of a milestone week, in which Shahrar Ali, former Deputy Leader of the GPEW, has taken the Green Party to Court, claiming that the Party has discriminated against him because of his ‘gender critical belief’.

The Maya Forstater case demonstrated that Gender Critical belief is ‘Worthy of Respect in a Democratic Society’. Shahrar Ali’s aim is for his case to put down a marker that Gender Critical belief is worthy of respect in a political party, too.

This test case has the power to accelerate a return to open, respectful debate and mature politics, for the sake of the dignity of women, the safety of children and freedom of speech across the political spectrum.

Five full days of trial ended this week, with witness testimony from both sides and cross-examination. Closing arguments will be heard on 2^nd October, after which time the Judge will announce a verdict.

We await with bated breath!

You can catch up on the case at Open Justice with Tribunal Tweets

Green Women’s Declaration gathers over 300 Signatures First Day!

In an astounding display of support, the “Green Women’s Declaration for Sex-Based Rights” has gained over 300 signatures within its first 24 hours. The petition – spearheaded by members and supporters of the Green Party of England and Wales (GPEW) – aims to amplify the voices advocating for women’s hard-won sex-based rights, and to defend women’s right to speak without retribution or unlawful sanction.

With the online petition gaining tremendous momentum, the call for action resonates beyond party lines. Those concerned about gender equality, climate justice, and women’s rights are urged to sign the petition and join the cause for a just and sustainable future for all.

To show your support and add your voice, sign the petition here: https://www.ipetitions.com/petition/greenwomensdeclaration

#ForWomenAndPlanet