Lib Dem members criticise trans-exclusionary' rule change for party elections

"Voting in elections for posts on internal committees as well as the role of Lib Dem president began on Tuesday. Members were informed on Monday that after legal advice the rules governing quotas in place to ensure fair representation of women on those committees were changing. A statement on the Lib Dem website said this was necessary to make them compliant with the Equality Act 2010, in the context of the supreme court judgment."

"The quotas now apply to sex at birth rather than lived gender, meaning women's quotas now exclude transgender women and men's quotas exclude transgender men. A party spokesperson said that the changes would include quotas for LGBT+ people including trans people on three larger committees. The Guardian understands that at least five transgender or non-binary candidates will be directly affected by this decision and that one is seeking legal advice."

"In a letter to the Lib Dems' chief executive, Mike Dixon, the returning officer David Crowther and the party leader, Ed Davey, the LGBT+ group registered their strong objections, stating: The party has taken a stance here which is explicitly trans-exclusionary. This is a clear contradiction of the views expressed by the party at multiple successive conferences. Lib Dem Women have also written to Dixon, reaffirming their commitment to inclusive feminism."

Party rules for internal elections were altered to reflect a supreme court ruling on biological sex, applying gender quotas to sex at birth rather than lived gender. Voting for internal committee posts and the Lib Dem presidency had begun when members were informed that quotas ensuring fair representation of women were changing following legal advice. The shift excludes transgender women from women's quotas and transgender men from men's quotas. The party said quotas for LGBT+ people including trans people would exist on three larger committees. LGBT+ and Young Liberals groups condemned the change as trans-exclusionary and unacceptable. At least five transgender or non-binary candidates will be affected and one is seeking legal advice. Lib Dem Women expressed grave concerns about substance and communication.

Read at www.theguardian.com