Greens taken to court over ‘fanatical clampdown on legitimate debate’

The Green Party has been accused of discriminating against its members who hold gender-critical beliefs.

Dr Shahrar Ali, backed by two other campaigners, is suing the Greens after the party dismissed him for defending women’s sex-based rights.

Dr Ali claims he was sacked as the Party’s Policing and Domestic Safety spokesman following complaints by activists over his criticism of radical gender ideology.

‘No debate’

Speaking to The Sunday Times, Dr Ali said the Green Party “has become an oppressive space for free speech” and has adopted a “‘no debate’ mantra” on trans rights.

“Nobody is well served by the fanatical clampdown on legitimate debate,” he said, adding: “I’m not going to be driven out of my party in this fashion. I’m prepared to fight it in court.”

Dr Ali’s legal representative stated: “A lot of people are being deplatformed, and this is another example of people being removed from pivotal positions because of articulating a belief or belief system which is protected.”

In response, the Green Party said it “will vigorously defend this case” and “remains proud of its focus on equality and human rights for all and our support for the trans community”.

Indisputable facts

In 2020, Dr Ali said in a social media post: “A woman is commonly defined as an adult human female and, genetically, typified by two XX chromosomes. These facts are not in dispute nor should they be in any political party.”

He subsequently initiated a party motion on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, calling for young people confused about their gender to be protected from private clinics exploiting an “NHS Moratoria on the Prescription of Puberty Blockers”.

He has also posted comments online in defence of JK Rowling and Professor Kathleen Stock after they were bullied for expressing the view that men cannot become women.

Following a reported internal investigation, Dr Ali was subsequently removed from his role as a Greens’ spokesman in 2022. Court proceedings are on ongoing.