Lib Dems reject debate on blocking trans women from diversity quotas

"Dr Zoe Hollowood, a member of campaign group Liberal Democrat Voice for Women, wanted a debate - and then a binding vote - on updating party policy in light of the Supreme Court ruling that a woman should be defined by biological sex. But Lucas North, treasurer of LGBT+ Liberal Democrats, argued that the debate was a "sham" and urged conference-goers to "reject the idea that trans identities are up for debate"."

"Dr Hollowood's motion set out how women are underrepresented in positions across the Liberal Democrats as an organisation and positive action through diversity quotas remained necessary. She argued trans women should not be included in diversity quotas for women as they are biological men and self-identification is not recognised by the law. The motion stated: "Returning males into vacancies expressly reserved for females would be unlawful.""

Party members at the Liberal Democrat conference voted to block a motion seeking to remove trans women from women-only diversity quotas. Dr Zoe Hollowood proposed a debate and binding vote citing a Supreme Court ruling defining a woman by biological sex and argued that returning males into female vacancies would be unlawful. Lucas North, LGBT+ Liberal Democrats treasurer, called the motion a "sham", urged members to reject debating trans identities and not to platform transphobic views, and successfully persuaded the conference to ditch the motion. The proposal was defeated by about two-to-one, while MPs present left the hall and did not vote.

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