News / Politics
Politicians walk out of meeting over ‘deeply offensive’ comments
Several politicians walked out of the council chamber while hearing from gender critical activists talking about trans people.
Green councillors said members of the public were making offensive statements regarding claims such as trans women allegedly harassing cisgender lesbians.
In April, the Supreme Court ruled that the word “woman” in the Equality Act refers only to women who were born female.
This could lead to restrictions on trans women accessing female-only spaces, and Bristol City Council and other organisations are reviewing their policies.
But in a full council meeting on Tuesday, campaigners criticised the council’s response to the Supreme Court ruling.
While they were speaking, Green councillors stood up, walked out of the room, waited outside until they finished and then returned to their seats.
Politicians have walked out of a meeting at City Hall over “deeply offensive and transphobic” comments – photo: Betty Woolerton
Katharine Rogers, one member of the public, said: “The council will need to review and update its policies and procedures, but it’s clear the response was made without consulting women other than those aligned with gender ideology.
“The idea that paternity services is a gender-neutral term, and the advocacy for phrases like ‘people who chestfeed’, raises huge concerns.”
The term ‘chestfeeding’ is sometimes used by trans and non-binary people, particularly those who have had top surgery to remove their breasts and might be able to still express milk to feed their baby.
Another concern of campaigners was a lack of “spaces for lesbians to meet”, although specific examples of where problems have taken place were not given.Also speaking was Stephen McNamara, the council’s former top lawyer. He asked whether a women’s running club should admit a “six-foot-three trans woman with a beard”.
This led to the lord mayor, Conservative councillor for Stoke Bishop Henry Michallat, telling him to be “mindful and respectful of colleagues across the council”, followed by campaigners shouting from the public gallery.
Heather Mack said she believed the comments were “intended to divide and hurt” – photo: Green Party
Green councillor for Lockleaze Heather Mack, deputy leader of the council, said: “At a time when we’re facing issues around community cohesion on many fronts in many ways, I must question the tone of these questions that are clearly intended to divide and hurt.
“I ask you to consider the pain experienced by young trans and questioning people, who would witness your questions.”
“And I would perhaps ask that you reach out and talk to some people impacted. I ask you to consider the vulgar and offensive comments, especially around the ‘bearded’ comments, judging women and trans women on their conformity to beauty ideals.
“This has an impact on all women, especially those young and transitioning. If you really consider that facial hair is the issue that determines whether you should be in a female space or not a female space — then I would invite you to come up here and look at the hairs on my chin.”
“Deeply offensive and transphobic” comments from campaigners were also criticised by Labour councillor for Horfield Tom Renhard, leader of the Labour group, said: “Respectful debate is fine. When it crosses the line, as it did tonight, it is not. We need to focus on fostering community cohesion, not stoking division.”
The comments sparked a wider row about who should be allowed to say what in a public council meeting.
On the one hand, members of the public have the opportunity to inform the city’s politicians about the problems and issues they are concerned about.
But on the other hand, the council must legally take steps to prevent harassment and discrimination, including against trans people.
Alex Seabrook is a local democracy reporter for Bristol
Main photo: Alex Seabrook
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