Sara Mai & Imogen Makepeace talk about the Declaration on Feminist Question Time…..
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 4th 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 2nd 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
In February 2022, Shahrar Ali initiated a course of legal action against GPEW following his unjust treatment as the Green Party national spokesperson for Policing and Domestic Safety. Shahrar maintains that he was subjected to a coordinated campaign of discrimination and victimisation because of his gender critical beliefs. This week, 21-25 August 2023, the Green Party will be in court to hear the case.
To follow the proceedings on Twitter see Tribunal Tweets
Monday 21 August afternoon – procedural matters plus examination of Shahrar Ali by Catherine Casserley, barrister for the Green Party.
Tuesday 22 August morning to mid afternoon – examination of Shahrar Ali by Catherine Casserley
Tuesday 22 August midafternoon to end of day – examination of Shahrar Ali by Catherine Casserley
Wednesday 23 August morning – Shahrar Ali concludes examination and Julia Lagoutte and Zoe Hatch are cross examined
Wednesday 23 August afternoon Part one & Part two– Mary Clegg begins and commences examination
Thursday 24 August morning Part one & Part two – Jeffrey Jupp begins cross examination of Molly Scott Cato
Thursday 24 August afternoon Part One & Part two – Cross examination of Molly Scott Cato continues
Friday 25 August morning Part one & Part two – evidence from Molly Scott Cato concluded, evidence from Elizabeth Reason begins.
Friday 25 August afternoon – there is only one thread for the afternoon as the court rose before 4 pm. Evidence from Elizabeth Reason and Jonathan Bartley.
To donate to Shahrar’s costs see CrowdJustice
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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
#NoDebate = NO DEMOCRACY
Members and supporters of the Green Party of England and Wales (GPEW) are today launching a Green Declaration for Women’s Sex-Based Rights, with over 150 founding signatories, dedicated to the affirmation and protection of women’s and girls’ sex-based rights, inviting others to add their names.
The Declaration has been initiated by GPEW members who believe that the right of women to advocate for women as a biological sex, are being eroded within the GPEW, as elsewhere in society, and that the ‘No Debate’ mantra is being used to curb freedom of speech.
Dismayed by the lack of support in the GPEW for open and respectful discussion about women’s sex-based rights, some members have already left or resigned, while others have been expelled or suspended for long periods of time, including on ‘no-fault suspensions’, for speaking their minds.
Alison Teal, former Sheffield Councillor, currently on a ‘No Fault Suspension’ from the GPEW said: “The systemic harassment, discrimination and silencing of advocates for women’s rights within the Party, including via the complaints system, and on social media, is deeply concerning.”
Many Green Party members believe that the consequences of disregarding the protected characteristic of ‘sex’ are damaging for women and girls, especially lesbians, mothers and those who are disabled; and that a democratic, open political party should be actively welcoming differing viewpoints and freedom of speech.
United Nations Women notes that: “The climate crisis is not “gender neutral”. Women and girls experience the greatest impacts of climate change, which amplifies existing gender inequalities and poses unique threats to their livelihoods, health, and safety.”
The initiators of the Declaration believe that the Green Party should be democratic, strong, and vibrant – advocating for environmental causes, for vital and urgent action on the climate crisis, for peace on our planet, and for international justice.
Imogen Makepeace, Lewes District Green Party Councillor said: “Committed GPEW members, like Alison Teal and Emma Bateman*, passionate and dedicated to action on climate change, are being all too frequently disenfranchised from their Party. This is a bizarre, Kafkaesque situation in what’s supposed to be an open and democratic Party.”
The Green Declaration for Women’s Sex-Based Rights comes in the wake of a similar declaration, launched by members of the Labour Party, concerned about the same issues.
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