PERHAPS Joanna Cherry would like, in a future column, to spell out exactly what advice on trans equality she thinks Stonewall are giving that is unlawful. Stonewall’s advice seems to be entirely in line with the Equality Act and with the Equality and Human Rights Commission’s statutory code of practice on it.
Of course Stonewall’s work is controversial; it always has been, since they began in 1989. Standing up to entrenched discrimination, fighting for rights for people who have never had them before, and changing the world, is always controversial.
But Stonewall are under concerted attack at the moment, by those who oppose trans equality, by those who oppose equality for lesbian, gay and bisexual people, and directly by ministers in a UK Government which is finding so many ways to undermine people’s equality and rights. How disappointing and depressing to see Joanna Cherry joining and amplifying that attack.
READ MORE: Joanna Cherry: We must work to ensure equalities policies conform to the law
I am a few years older than Joanna, and I have been campaigning, with others, for LGBT equality in Scotland since the 1980s. There has been huge change – the rights that LGB people have now were almost unthinkable in 1985. Joanna and I, and countless others, benefit today from generations of activists who battled for equality. And it has been a battle strongly contested at every stage.
But it is not over. Trans people are treated today much as gay people were 25 years ago, including being demonised almost daily in parts of the media. LGB people still face discrimination and hate crime, as do many others. And some want to turn the clock back on the advances of recent years.
The Equality Network was founded 24 years ago, and has campaigned for LGBT equality in Scotland since. We are proud of the changes we have helped bring about, and proud to be redoubling our work now, including for full equality for trans people. And we are proud to be working alongside Stonewall to do that.
Tim Hopkins
Director, Equality Network
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel