Key Takeaways:
- The Supreme Court has ruled that the term "sex" in the Equality Act refers to biological sex, not gender identity, when it comes to the provision of single-sex spaces.
- Despite this ruling, politicians are "thwarting" its implementation, with the UK government refusing to sign off on guidance that would ensure compliance with the ruling.
- Women who speak out against the inclusion of trans-identifying men in women-only spaces are being reprimanded by employers and employment tribunal judges.
- The Scottish government has given over £1.1 million to organizations that promote gender ideology, including Stonewall Scotland and the Equality Network.
- The feminist group For Women Scotland (FWS) is taking the Scottish government to court over its failure to implement the Supreme Court ruling and its guidance on single-sex spaces in prisons.
Introduction to the Issue
The Supreme Court’s ruling on women’s rights has been met with resistance from politicians, who are "thwarting" its implementation, according to the feminist group For Women Scotland (FWS). The ruling, which states that the term "sex" in the Equality Act refers to biological sex, not gender identity, when it comes to the provision of single-sex spaces, has been welcomed by women’s rights campaigners. However, the UK government’s refusal to sign off on guidance that would ensure compliance with the ruling has meant that women are still being put at risk. Women who speak out against the inclusion of trans-identifying men in women-only spaces are being reprimanded by employers and employment tribunal judges, as seen in the cases of NHS nurse Sandie Peggie and former financial adviser Susan Smith.
The Impact of Politicians’ Inaction
The Scottish government’s inaction on the Supreme Court ruling has been criticized by FWS, which claims that the government is "thwarting" the ruling by refusing to implement it. The government’s refusal to sign off on guidance that would ensure compliance with the ruling has meant that women are still being put at risk. FWS founder Susan Smith has accused the government of "playing silly buggers" and trying to change the law by stealth. The group’s founders, Smith, Marion Calder, and Trina Budge, have expressed frustration at the government’s inaction, with Calder stating that "things are either single sex or they’re not." The lack of action from the government has also been criticized by other women’s rights campaigners, who argue that it is putting women’s safety at risk.
The Role of Gender Ideology
The promotion of gender ideology has been a major factor in the resistance to the Supreme Court ruling. The Scottish government has given over £1.1 million to organizations that promote gender ideology, including Stonewall Scotland and the Equality Network. These organizations have been accused of promoting a "deeply misogynistic movement" that is "anti-women’s rights." FWS has criticized the government for giving money to organizations that argue in favor of breaking the law, stating that it is "like politicians have outsourced their brains to the third sector so they don’t have to do their thinking." The promotion of gender ideology has also been criticized by other women’s rights campaigners, who argue that it is erasing the concept of biological sex and putting women’s safety at risk.
The Experience of FWS Founders
The founders of FWS have faced significant challenges in their campaign for women’s rights. They have been subjected to abuse and harassment, including threatening messages and emails. However, they remain optimistic, citing the "definite quiet majority" in Scotland who agree with them. They have also received support from women who have been inspired by their campaign, with many whispering thanks to them when they see them in the street. The founders have also experienced the impact of gender ideology firsthand, with Calder recalling a meeting with a senior civil servant who was putting together a bill on gender recognition reform. The civil servant responded to Calder’s concerns about self-ID by saying that he had met trans people and they were "super nice" and he had shaken their hand. Calder replied, "And what’s that got to do with the price of cheese?"
The Way Forward
Despite the challenges they face, FWS remains determined to continue their campaign for women’s rights. They are taking the Scottish government to court over its failure to implement the Supreme Court ruling and its guidance on single-sex spaces in prisons. They are also calling for the government to stop funding organizations that promote gender ideology and to prioritize the safety and well-being of women. The group’s founders believe that their campaign is not just about women’s rights, but about the integrity of the law and the protection of women’s safety. They argue that the government’s failure to implement the Supreme Court ruling is a betrayal of women’s trust and a threat to their safety. As Smith states, "We’re winning because our arguments are sound, not because we’re funded by some imaginary Americans." The group’s determination and perseverance are an inspiration to women’s rights campaigners around the world, and their campaign is a reminder that the fight for women’s rights is far from over.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Supreme Court’s ruling on women’s rights has been met with resistance from politicians, who are "thwarting" its implementation. The Scottish government’s inaction on the ruling has put women at risk, and the promotion of gender ideology has been a major factor in this resistance. The founders of FWS have faced significant challenges in their campaign for women’s rights, but they remain optimistic and determined to continue their fight. The group’s campaign is a reminder that the fight for women’s rights is far from over, and that women will continue to fight for their safety and well-being. As Calder states, "There’s a lot to be said for being a woman of a certain age, you know. You’re invisible. And then you’re not." The struggle for women’s rights is a long and difficult one, but with the determination and perseverance of groups like FWS, women’s voices will be heard and their rights will be protected.
