Latest news with #StonewallDiversityChampions
The National
07-05-2025
- Politics
- The National
Joanna Cherry does not speak for LGB people like me
Three weeks ago, Ms Cherry was seen on national TV celebrating outside the Supreme Court with the 'gender-critical' groups For Women Scotland and Sex Matters. Last week, Sex Matters published a letter they have just written to NHS England and the UK Government, which calls for all young trans people to be blocked from transitioning. This is proposed on the basis that their life as trans people will be much more difficult after the court's judgment. The letter says 'their future lives and freedoms will be seriously curtailed'. Hyperbole or fact? READ MORE: Joanna Cherry slates Nicola Sturgeon response to Supreme Court ruling Ms Sturgeon made clear that it is not the judgment itself, but the way it will be interpreted, that matters most. I hope, but doubt, that Ms Cherry will stand with those calling for an interpretation that minimises the harm caused. For example, that organisations that wish to make public that they will continue to include trans women in their facilities for women should be able to do so. But I suspect that Ms Cherry will align with those wanting a hardline interpretation that would ban trans people from any and all facilities matching their gender identity. The effects of that are made clear in the heart-breaking website comment you published on Wednesday from Jessica McMartin. No hyperbole there, just the very real fears of a very real trans person. Ms Cherry claims to speak for LGB people. YouGov research found that only 6% of lesbians agree with her. 84% support trans people, and 10% are neutral. Anyone doubting that could go to any one of the 20-plus Pride events around Scotland this summer, where they will see huge numbers of LGB people marching in solidarity with their trans siblings. Joanna Cherry certainly does not speak for them or for me. Tim Hopkins Edinburgh WE are a group of gay men from across Scotland who form the Scotland arm of HumanGayMale (an organisation for gay men who reject gender identity ideology). We are writing to urge the Scottish Government to withdraw from the Stonewall Diversity Champions initiative, to stop funding Stonewall, and for John Swinney to encourage all government departments, agencies, and public bodies in Scotland to do the same. Following the UK Supreme Court ruling on the meaning of 'sex' in the Equality Act 2010, it has become apparent that many organisations and institutions, including the Scottish Government, have previously been misled in their understanding of the Act. READ MORE: Nicola Sturgeon breaks silence on Supreme Court gender ruling This is, in no small part, the result of the misinformation propagated by Stonewall, in particular through its various workplace schemes and training. Since the ruling, Stonewall has continued to misrepresent the situation by suggesting that the outcome is not yet law and is encouraging Diversity Champion Scheme members to not make any changes to policies or practice in light of the ruling. Stonewall continues to push an agenda of 'gender identity' being paramount to sex. This is an ideology that says how you feel is more important than the reality of biological sex. In doing so, it erases what it means to be same-sex-attracted. As gay men, Stonewall is telling us that being gay means being 'same gender' attracted, and that a heterosexual female who identifies as a gay man must be accepted as a gay man. Lesbians are also being told the same thing about heterosexual men who identify as women. This is the modern equivalent of conversion therapy. It is a slap in the face that the Scottish Government is actively funding Stonewall (with public money) and participating in the ideological indoctrination scheme that effectively erases what it means to be gay. We urge John Swinney to stand up for and protect the rights of gay men and lesbians across Scotland. READ MORE: LGBT+ Americans living in Scotland fear return to Trump's US Much like women's rights groups, our HumanGayMale meetings in Scotland are forced to be held in secret, lest adherents of the 'LGBTQ+' lobby try to shut us down for refusing to believe 'transmen' can be gay men. The Supreme Court ruling has made clear that our meetings are legal and that we can legitimately exclude all women from our events, even those who call themselves gay men. If John Swinney truly wants to help gay people and understand the perspectives of gay men on this topic, he would do well to read the report from the Gay Men's Conference 2025. Or he could send a representative to take part in the Scotland version of this conference in July this year. HumanGayMale, Scotland Group THE BBC are up to their tricks again with River City, trying to reduce the viewing figures. Once again they have stopped broadcasting the series, after potentially killing off one of the main characters. There is nothing they will replace this with that will have any relevance to Scotland, and its loss will destroy the futures of a lot of talented people. It may only be another soap, but it mirrors Scotland and its people. Norman Robertson via email
Yahoo
02-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Stonewall charity status under threat unless it respects trans ruling
Stonewall will be referred to the Charity Commission on Monday unless it withdraws 'wrong and dangerous' advice on the meaning of last month's Supreme Court ruling on women's rights. Sex Matters, the women's rights group, say the controversial LGBT charity has encouraged 'organisations to act unlawfully' by suggesting they delay any changes to female facilities such as toilets and changing rooms. On Thursday, Stonewall accused the Football Association of rushing into banning trans women, who are biologically male, from the female game. And they said the Supreme Court's historic judgment – that the definition of a woman was based on biological sex – had not yet become law. In a letter to Simon Blake, the chief executive of Stonewall, Sex Matters said the ruling meant it was law straight away, and said it would refer Stonewall to the Charity Commission unless the advice was withdrawn. Maya Forstater, the chief executive of Sex Matters, wrote: 'Stonewall remains an influential institution, which has the legitimacy of charitable status. 'It should not be encouraging employers, service providers, sports governing bodies or individuals to ignore or flout the law.' On Thursday, the FA decided to follow the Scottish FA in restricting the membership of women's teams to biological women. Stonewall published a statement saying: 'The FA and Scottish FA's decision to ban trans women from women's football has been made too soon, before the implications of the Supreme Court's ruling have been worked through by lawyers and politicians or become law. 'This is widely acknowledged to be an incredibly complicated ruling and its wide-ranging impact is still being worked through by the legal fraternity. 'All organisations should be waiting to see how and in what way statutory guidance is changed, before making any changes to their policies.' Ms Forstater warned in her letter that Sex Matters would write to the Charity Commission on Monday unless Stonewall retracted the statement 'by means of a public statement and an email to current and past members of the Stonewall Diversity Champions and other related schemes'. She went on: 'This advice is wrong and dangerous. The Equality Act has been law since 2010, and the Sex Discrimination Act before that since 1975. 'Before the Supreme Court judgment, there was some uncertainty about how it interacts with the Gender Recognition Act 2004 in relation to the protected characteristics of sex and sexual orientation. This uncertainty has now been resolved by the Supreme Court. 'The judgment is comprehensive, but is not at all complicated… 'Employers, service providers, charities and other duty-bearers under the Act have an ongoing obligation to comply with all relevant laws. There is no justification for waiting, and no ambiguity about what must be done. 'No further commentary or guidance is required, and by telling organisations to wait before acting, Stonewall is encouraging them to act unlawfully.' Ms Forstater claimed that Stonewall's actions were in direct contravention of its charitable objects, which are to promote human rights, promote equality and diversity, and promote the 'sound administration of law'. 'By telling organisations that the Supreme Court's ruling is not law and that they should wait for changes to the statutory guidance before complying, Stonewall is acting irresponsibly and in direct contravention of its charitable objects,' she said. 'Please act promptly to undo the damage caused by your irresponsible statement, insofar as is possible, by retracting it forthwith and publicising your retraction on all the same channels used to promote it. 'Please also replace the retracted statement with one that is clear and accurate, accompanied by a recommendation that all organisations act swiftly to come into compliance.' Martina Navratilova, the nine-times Wimbledon singles champion, said: 'Stonewall is stonewalling the UK supreme court. Good to know they know the law so well.' A spokesman for Stonewall said: 'We are taking time, and legal advice, to fully understand the implications of Supreme Court ruling and the EHRC's interim update and get 'clarity' on the next steps including the timeline of the consultation and on the parliamentary process for a new statutory code of practice. 'We are highlighting that organisations don't need to take any action yet, or change their policies, because no new statutory guidance has been issued. The widespread implications of the ruling are still being considered and there will be a consultation process and a subsequent parliamentary process before any changes to statutory guidance are issued. 'Once, and if, there is new statutory guidance, Stonewall will review its own materials to ensure they reflect the latest legal developments. Stonewall's guidance has always reflected the law.' Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Telegraph
02-05-2025
- Politics
- Telegraph
Stonewall charity status under threat unless it respects trans ruling
Stonewall will be referred to the Charity Commission on Monday unless it withdraws 'wrong and dangerous' advice on the meaning of last month's Supreme Court ruling on women's rights. Sex Matters, the women's rights group, say the controversial LGBT charity has encouraged 'organisations to act unlawfully' by suggesting they delay any changes to female facilities such as toilets and changing rooms. On Thursday, Stonewall accused the Football Association of rushing into banning trans women, who are biologically male, from the female game. And they said the Supreme Court's historic judgment – that the definition of a woman was based on biological sex – had not yet become law. In a letter to Simon Blake, the chief executive of Stonewall, Sex Matters said the ruling meant it was law straight away, and said it would refer Stonewall to the Charity Commission unless the advice was withdrawn. Maya Forstater, the chief executive of Sex Matters, wrote: 'Stonewall remains an influential institution, which has the legitimacy of charitable status. 'It should not be encouraging employers, service providers, sports governing bodies or individuals to ignore or flout the law.' On Thursday, the FA decided to follow the Scottish FA in restricting the membership of women's teams to biological women. Stonewall published a statement saying: 'The FA and Scottish FA's decision to ban trans women from women's football has been made too soon, before the implications of the Supreme Court's ruling have been worked through by lawyers and politicians or become law. 'This is widely acknowledged to be an incredibly complicated ruling and its wide-ranging impact is still being worked through by the legal fraternity. 'All organisations should be waiting to see how and in what way statutory guidance is changed, before making any changes to their policies.' Ms Forstater warned in her letter that Sex Matters would write to the Charity Commission on Monday unless Stonewall retracted the statement 'by means of a public statement and an email to current and past members of the Stonewall Diversity Champions and other related schemes'. She went on: 'This advice is wrong and dangerous. The Equality Act has been law since 2010, and the Sex Discrimination Act before that since 1975. 'Before the Supreme Court judgment, there was some uncertainty about how it interacts with the Gender Recognition Act 2004 in relation to the protected characteristics of sex and sexual orientation. This uncertainty has now been resolved by the Supreme Court. 'The judgment is comprehensive, but is not at all complicated… 'Employers, service providers, charities and other duty-bearers under the Act have an ongoing obligation to comply with all relevant laws. There is no justification for waiting, and no ambiguity about what must be done. 'No further commentary or guidance is required, and by telling organisations to wait before acting, Stonewall is encouraging them to act unlawfully.' Stonewall 'contravening charitable objects' Ms Forstater claimed that Stonewall's actions were in direct contravention of its charitable objects, which are to promote human rights, promote equality and diversity, and promote the 'sound administration of law'. 'By telling organisations that the Supreme Court's ruling is not law and that they should wait for changes to the statutory guidance before complying, Stonewall is acting irresponsibly and in direct contravention of its charitable objects,' she said. 'Please act promptly to undo the damage caused by your irresponsible statement, insofar as is possible, by retracting it forthwith and publicising your retraction on all the same channels used to promote it. 'Please also replace the retracted statement with one that is clear and accurate, accompanied by a recommendation that all organisations act swiftly to come into compliance.' Martina Navratilova, the nine-times Wimbledon singles champion, said: 'Stonewall is stonewalling the UK supreme court. Good to know they know the law so well.' Charity 'taking legal advice' A spokesman for Stonewall said: 'We are taking time, and legal advice, to fully understand the implications of Supreme Court ruling and the EHRC's interim update and get 'clarity' on the next steps including the timeline of the consultation and on the parliamentary process for a new statutory code of practice. 'We are highlighting that organisations don't need to take any action yet, or change their policies, because no new statutory guidance has been issued. The widespread implications of the ruling are still being considered and there will be a consultation process and a subsequent parliamentary process before any changes to statutory guidance are issued. 'Once, and if, there is new statutory guidance, Stonewall will review its own materials to ensure they reflect the latest legal developments. Stonewall's guidance has always reflected the law.'
Telegraph
15-03-2025
- Politics
- Telegraph
Labour candidate battling Reform at Runcorn by-election welcomed Afghan and Syrian refugees
The Labour candidate facing down Reform UK in the Runcorn by-election 'warmly welcomed' refugees from Afghanistan and Syria to the area. Councillor Karen Shore, who is facing a Reform insurgency in the northern seat, said Cheshire West and Chester council was 'warmly welcoming' to asylum seekers while she was its deputy leader. She boasted about 'providing suitably decorated and furnished accommodation, provided by the council's housing association partners, as well as support from housing and family support teams and the costs of English language lessons.' She argued in the local newspaper that refugees 'integrate successfully into their new lives and make a valuable contribution to our communities'. Ms Shore was chosen as Labour's parliamentary candidate this week after serving on the council since 2015. The by-election was triggered by the resignation of Mike Amesbury, who was convicted of assault after repeatedly punching a constituent while drunk. Polling shows Labour will struggle to hold the seat as Nigel Farage's party surges. The latest survey of the constituency, by pollsters Find Out Now, shows Reform projected to win the seat by a small margin, winning 36 per cent of the vote to Labour's 33 per cent. It comes after a poll of the seat by Lord Ashcroft showed Reform winning by a similar margin with 40 percent of the vote to Labour's 35 percent. If replicated on election day the result would mean a large swing from Labour to Reform with the insurgent party taking votes from both Labour and the Conservatives in the seat. At the general election, Reform came a distant second in Runcorn with 18 percent of the vote. While serving as a cabinet member on Cheshire West and Chester council, which encompasses the Runcorn and Helsby constituency, Ms Shore also backed a Stonewall scheme where council staff wore rainbow shoelaces in the workplace. She said it helped to 'challenge homophobic, biphobic and transphobic views'. 'We work with our staff and partners to support individuals to become LGBT role models both at home and at work,' she said. The council was a member of the Stonewall Diversity Champions scheme at the time. Ms Shore caused controversy during the Covid pandemic when she said in a council meeting: 'I believe the government's strategy is to let people get sick and die.' In 2017 she supported a successful motion to ban local councillors and staff from giving interviews to The Sun newspaper. The motion also expressed support for local newsagents who refused to sell the newspaper. Cheshire West and Chester borders Merseyside, where there has been a longstanding boycott of the paper following its false reporting of the Hillsborough disaster. 'A stain on democracy' Ms Shore told fellow councillors she had personally refused to speak to a Sun journalist in the past and called the paper 'a stain on democracy, British values and the fundamental freedoms that we hold dear.' She said: 'Freedom of speech and freedom of the press are fundamental to democracy, as fundamental as the rule of law. From freedoms come rights, and with rights come responsibilities. The right to speak freely and the responsibility not to slander or incite prejudice or hatred. The right to a free press but with the responsibility not to print lies.' '[These are] all the things this publication has shown a flagrant disregard for. It's a stain on democracy, British values and the fundamental freedoms that we hold dear. And it's a stain on the 96 unlawfully killed.' A Labour spokesman said: 'Karen Shore is a hard working, local candidate who will make an excellent Member of Parliament for Runcorn and Helsby. She has a track record of campaigning and delivering for local people, which will continue if she is elected.'
