LGBTQ+ 'safe space' centre could be opened in Glasgow
City leader Susan Aitken said the council is in 'no rush' to make any changes on LGBTQ+ inclusion following a Supreme Court ruling that a woman was defined by biological sex under equalities law.
Councillor Aitken was responding to queries from trans councillor Elaine Gallagher who asked what the council was doing to uphold duties to protect rights in light of a 'culture war and hostile anti LGBTQ+ environment.'
Speaking at last week's council meeting, Councillor Aitken said 'recent legal decisions and public discourse have only intensified the pressure and fear that many trans people are feeling. And I absolutely recognise that this is not just political, it is personal, it is painful and it has real consequences for people's safety, dignity and rights.'
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She added: 'I'm determined that the council will be an ally and will act.'
Pointing out the work of an LGBTQ+ Forum, she said: 'A sub group of the forum is exploring the creation of a physical LGBTQ+ hub in Glasgow, a safe inclusive space for community building, support and celebration.
'Discussions with City Property and partners are ongoing and the energy and commitment from community members involved in the process has been really encouraging.'
Commenting on LGBTQ+ inclusion in schools, she said: 'We also continue to prioritise inclusive education. Our partnership with the TIE campaign is helping ensure our schools are places where all young people including trans and non binary pupils feel safe, seen and supported from professional development for staff to city wide events like Ally and PrideLite this work sends a clear message I hope to our young people – you belong here. '
Scottish Greens councillor Gallagher was questioning whether the council was continuing to roll out actions from a council motion in 2023, which agreed to help guard the rights of transgender and non-binary people.
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She asked if councillor Aitken agreed that the 'interim non statutory guidance from the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) was rushed, contradictory, discriminatory and politically motivated.'
Concurring, the SNP leader branded the guidance as 'entirely rushed.'
Released after the Supreme Court ruling, the EHRC guidance says in places like hospitals, shops and restaurants trans women should not be allowed to use women's facilities.
Laying out the council's stance, councillor Aitken said: 'We are certainly in no rush in this council to make any changes. I have discussed it with the chief executive and our existing approach is the approach that will continue. We obviously await guidance from the Scottish Government.
'We are a public body and we have to abide by the law but I am absolutely determined that we will do so in a way that is inclusive, respectful and supports the dignity and personhood of everyone who either works in or uses or public buildings or our service and particularly trans and non binary people.'
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