"Disappointing" effort to withdraw Sefton Council's support for trans community
Plus: Why we should be more concerned by online anger than
Hello and welcome to the midweek edition of The Southport Lead.
The previous two editions of this title have discussed plans to move children’s A&E services back to the town, something we have tried to do in a detailed and informative way. This week, another title published an article on the subject whose headline described the change as “disgraceful” and something which “will put lives at risk”.
These claims were attributed to an pseudonymous user’s comment on another article and countered with little in the way of factual information or context. This entirely fails to serve the audience and is exactly why we’re trying to do things differently here. We hope you can continue to support us in those efforts - if you agree and haven’t already done so, please do consider taking a paid subscription.
Today’s edition focuses on a deeply sensitive issue that is often only discussed in the most broad and heated of manners ahead of a Sefton Council meeting which will see trans rights brought back under the microscope.
Three years ago, the council overwhelmingly voted to express its support with the trans community but tomorrow it will be asked to rescind that on the back of a Supreme Court ruling. We explore what that means and what impact these debates have in today’s edition.
Before we move on to that, two quick notes. This weekend’s edition will come a day early as we focus on Orange Lodge Parade which comes to town on Saturday. With it being the first time the parade has fallen on a Saturday in 11 years - and with hot weather forecast - a bumper turnout is expected.
That morning, we’ll be sending out a newsletter with a long read about the parade - focusing on its origins, its connection to Southport, and modern attitudes towards it.
If you’d like to share your thoughts on the matter, please get in touch at southport@thelead.uk. And if you haven’t already, subscribe to ensure you receive a copy on Saturday morning.
Secondly, this newsletter is sent between the first two sitting days of The Southport Inquiry so we’ll be addressing it in the weekend edition.
Efforts to reverse trans support “disappointing but unsurprising”
By Jamie Lopez
The leader of Sefton’s Conservative group will ask the council to rescind a motion offering support to transgender people.
Three years ago, the council voted by a margin of 45 to four in favour of a motion which among other things committed it to “continuing to be welcoming, inclusive and respectful and ensure the trans community have a voice so all needs are met”.
It also affirmed the beliefs that “trans men are men, trans women are women and non-binary genders are valid” and that “trans people deserve respect and autonomy”.
A full council meeting is taking place tomorrow and will be asked to consider a new motion that reverses the council’s position that ‘trans men are men and trans women are women’. It has been brought forward by Cllr Prendergast and argues that the previous motion runs contrary to the recent Supreme Court ruling which effectively concluded that trans women are no longer legally recognised as women and likewise for men.
As William Elisabeth Cuthbert wrote in The Lead after that ruling, it had the effect of disregarding pre-existing Gender Recognition Certificates, which formerly acknowledged affirmed trans female and male identities, in its decision that the legal definition of “woman” will be based only on “biological sex”
Mike Prendergast, Conservative group leader, said “This motion is about ensuring Sefton Council operates within the law. We cannot allow any confusion around policy and, right now, the publicly stated position of Sefton Council conflicts with the Equality Act and the confirmatory judgement of the Supreme Court.
“There is, and always was, a clear distinction between biological sex and gender identity. There were a vocal minority of us who made these points back in May 2022, from across the political spectrum, and I know there are councillors in all parties on Sefton Council who still hold those views.
“I and, I’m fairly certain, all other elected councillors on Sefton Council respect any individual who chooses to identify as a gender different from that at birth. Trans people have the right to live their lives free from prejudice and discrimination and should be afforded all of the protections under the law that everyone has.
“The fact is though that Sefton Council, through the previous position that was adopted, has caused a problem for itself. The council is not a rule maker where primary legislation is concerned, it is a rule taker. As such, we can’t choose to hold a position when we know it is not in keeping with the law of the land.”
The motion will be raised at a full council meeting tomorrow and asks the council to rescind the previous motion and acknowledge that the stance of “trans men are men” is a matter of opinion and update all policies and procedures to align with the ruling.
The motion states: “There is continuing public concern and legal scrutiny over the conflation of sex and gender identity in public policy, and the implications this has for the protection of single-sex spaces and services, data collection, safeguarding, and women’s rights.
“It is therefore incumbent on all local authorities, including Sefton Metropolitan Borough Council to not hold public positions that are in conflict with the law and ensure that all internal policies and procedures are adhering to the correct interpretation and definitions of the Equality Act 2010.”
Cllr Jen Corcoran, who represents Kew ward, brought forward the original motion in 2022 and also serves as chair of Sefton Pride. In that role, she has organised three Sefton Pride events, the most recent of which she described as a “perfect blend of borough unity and inclusion”.
She fears having the motion being brought to council will contribute to the challenges and anxieties facing a group which is already marginalised and facing hostility.
She told The Southport Lead: “I am disappointed but not surprised by this motion.
“Cllrs Prendergast and [Sir Ron] Watson brought one in February suggesting scrapping EDI posts, which was unsuccessful and they should quite literally learn from the wonderful people who support ensuring the council is as broadly representative of the people it serves as possible.
“This representation can only happen when we encourage people to be their authentic selves and also earn the trust of those with protected characteristics. We need role models, not division.
“I am incredibly proud that Sefton Pride was a trans positive event and grateful that performers and attendees from this community felt safe with us.
“I've met many trans, non binary and non gender conforming siblings, none have any designs on hard fought for rights such as safe spaces - I would welcome anyone who is unsure on this to contact me.
“Alternatively I recommend listening to GERM by Kate Nash and the Newscast pod cast with former judge Victoria McCloud - she makes some excellent points and is challenging the ruling that gave rise to this motion.”
One of the issues with debates such as this is the absence of voices of those directly affected. While this motion is rooted in the legal impacts of the ruling, there are fears that the proposed change would add to the hostile environment facing trans people and leave them worrying about how welcome they are in society.
Cllr Corcoran added: “Trans people are already at higher risk of experiencing health inequality, unemployment, domestic abuse, substance misuse and homelessness - when their existence, authenticity and rights are debated (often without including their voices and experiences) this only serves to isolate them further and increase their risks.
“There will be trans people who have lived in their gender without challenge who are now expected to out themselves without it being their choice - it is exhausting for people to have to be constantly alert to potential attacks, whether written or verbal or physical.
“The impact on mental and physical wellbeing is immeasurable and is certain to have ripple effects in society.”
Sefton Council as an organisation has been vocal in its efforts to support LGBT+ communities, with public statements and staff attending events with flags bearing the authority’s logo. It has also repeatedly been awarded the Navajo Charter Mark, which is given to organisations in Merseyside and Cheshire that demonstrate good practice, commitment, and knowledge of the specific needs of the LGBT+ community.
Recommended reading
⚽ A very positive selection of articles to bring you today. First up, The Liverpool Echo has news of a new indoor football attraction coming to Ocean Plaza.
📚 There’s also a venue housing a wine bar, bookshop and coffee lounge set to open on Lord Street very soon. Read more via Stand Up For Southport.
🌞 The Manchester Evening News gave some love to the town as reporter Liv Clarke paid a visit.
🍻 Finally, it’s far from a new venue but it’s very nice to see The Echo giving the spotlight to the Tap & Bottles - my favourite pub and a place where I’ve spent unforgettable nights and many I’d struggle to remember too
Opinion: Online hatred is getting worse and must be countered
By Jamie Lopez
It is said, and attributed to all manner of people, that a lie can travel halfway around the world before the truth can get its pants on. In the world of social media, hatred can light a thousand fires before reason has a chance to speak.
For the second time in a matter of weeks, local Facebook groups became filled with righteous fury and fear at the suggestion of large numbers of people visiting Ainsdale beach.
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