Boris Johnson has said that when considering transgender issues, recognising a person’s biological sex is “overwhelmingly important”.
The Prime Minister was responding to Angela Richardson MP, who asked how young people confused about their gender could be better supported.
Last week, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer was criticised for misrepresenting the law when he asserted that “trans women are women, and that is not just my view – that is actually the law”.
‘Basic facts’
Richardson’s question followed the recent publication of a report by Dr Hilary Cass, which called for an overhaul of the NHS’s gender identity services.
In answering, Mr Johnson said: “I think that this is one of those issues that the whole House is coming to realise is one that requires extreme sensitivity, tact, love and care.
the basic facts of biology remain overwhelmingly important
“We must recognise that when people want to make a transition in their lives, they should be treated with the maximum possible generosity and respect. We have systems in this country that allow that and have done for a long time”.
He continued: “I want to say in addition that I think, when it comes to distinguishing between a man and a woman, the basic facts of biology remain overwhelmingly important”.
Common sense
Pro-trans lobby groups were quick to react to the Prime Minister’s remarks. A Stonewall representative said “human lives and experiences cannot always be sorted into neat little boxes”.
Kai O’Doherty, Head of Policy and Research at Mermaids, said: “We believe it is in everyone’s interest to not attach so much weight to biology when discussing trans matters” before claiming that “sex rights and trans rights are not at odds with one another”.
But Mr Johnson’s answer was welcomed by women’s rights group Fair Play For Women, which tweeted: “Thank you Angela Richardson for raising this important issue at PMQs. A clear common sense answer from Boris Johnson. #sexmatters.”
Thank you @AJRichardsonMP for raising this important issue at PMQs. A clear common sense answer from @BorisJohnson. #sexmatters. https://t.co/kjVFUI8Hmk
— FairPlayForWomen (@fairplaywomen) March 23, 2022
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