Lib Dems forced to accept gender critical beliefs

The Liberal Democrats party has lifted the restrictions on its internal gender critical group following a legal challenge.

The group, Liberal Voice for Women (LVW), was blocked from exhibiting at the party’s conferences for the past four years and was not allowed to advertise in its conference brochure.

Following a lengthy legal battle where the group warned the Lib Dems it was in breach of the Equalities Act, the party has now backed down.

‘Lawfully protected beliefs’

Chairwoman of LVW Zoe Hollowood said: “For too long, gender critical members have been vilified and censured in the party for their ordinary belief in the immutability and importance of sex.

“After five years of campaigning and, more recently, lengthy legal negotiations where Liberal Voice for Women showed considerable patience and discretion, the party has finally decided to draw a line under this period of intolerance and move forward together with us.”

Lib Dem Chief Executive Mike Dixon conceded: “The Liberal Democrats recognise that Liberal Voice for Women is entitled not to be discriminated against in respect of the lawfully held protected beliefs”.

Unwillingness to act

Hollowood reflected: “Many political parties are struggling with the tension between members with gender critical beliefs and trans activist members.”

She added: “The Green Party for instance is facing several legal cases for expelling gender critical members and is reportedly at risk of bankruptcy.

“Given the unwillingness of some political parties to follow the Equality Act on this issue, we hope this is an area the equalities regulator, the EHRC, will turn their attention to so that the financial and emotional burden of ensuring parties comply with the Equality Act is not being repeatedly borne by gender critical party members.”

Fiona McAnena, Director of Campaigns at women’s rights group Sex Matters, commented: “For years, both the Lib Dems and other political parties have tried to silence members who have reasonable concerns about the conflict between women’s rights and the demands of trans activists.”