300 women ‘quit’ the Labour Party because self-identifying trans women are being included
300 anti-trans campaigners have quit the Labour Party over the fact that trans women who have not legally changed their gender can still be included on all-women’s shortlists.
Anti-trans Labour group Mayday4Women said that they “cannot continue to be in a party that takes women for granted,” after the Labour Party confirmed self-identifying trans women can be part of the initiative reported The Week.
“Sex is not a self-defined characteristic and it is disingenuous for Labour to pretend that it is,” the group wrote in a letter to The Times.
(Mark Makela/Getty Images)
“We are rarely listened to, as this very real issue shows.
“It is for that reason that we – alongside 300 other women – are resigning from the Labour party today.”
In a responding statement, the Party said that “all women shortlists are and always have been open to all women.”
“All women shortlists are and always have been open to all women, which of course includes trans women. The Labour Party recognises the vital importance of self-definition for the trans community. The Labour Party continues to have an inclusive definition of women,” a spokesperson told The Week.
A Labour spokesperson said the resignation numbers are “nowhere near” the 300 figure claimed, Sky News added.
Jeremy Corbyn (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)
The party clarified that all trans women could apply for the all-women shortlist selection in a PinkNews exclusive in January.
“At the NEC yesterday it was confirmed that all women shortlists are and always have been open to all women, which of course includes trans women,” a spokesperson said.
“The Party will consult with key stakeholders about the wording of this policy and will issue guidance to CLPs.”
Councillor and vice-chair of Young Labour Leigh Drennan said that anti-trans campaigners will be found on the wrong side of history as an “overwhelming majority” support trans people being included in the party.
British actor and comedian Eddie Izzard poses for a photograph as he attends a Labour general election campaign event in Cardiff on May 10, 2017. (GEOFFCADDICK/AFP/Getty Images)
“I think that the overwhelming majority of the Labour Party certainly support the inclusion of trans women on all-women shortlists. In 40 years’ time people will look back and view campaigns for the exclusion of trans women as bizarre.”
Women’s officer Lily Madigan, who is trans, tweeted that “I, and the women I represent fundamentally welcome this.”
“Today, approximately 300 transmisogynist women left the Labour Party,” said Madigan.
“Today is a good day ✊.”
