‘Authoritarian’ Green Party could go bankrupt for ‘discrimination’ against women
The Green Party's conference in Manchester began on Friday when protesters gathered outside to voice their anger at the Party's views on gender.
Women who claim to have been expelled from the Greens for expressing gender-critical views have raised concerns about the party’s treatment of women.
Protesters outside of the party’s Manchester conference today said the alleged “ongoing discrimination” may lead to court cases with the potential to bankrupt the Greens.
Emma Bateman, 57, told how she was given a no-fault suspension for speaking up about women's sex-based rights.
The expelled former member said: “The authoritarianism in the Green Party must be addressed. You cannot have a broad-based party in which members are not allowed to discuss contentious issues.
“If we cannot say a basic thing like ‘men are not women’ then no one will respect us on the science of climate change.”
The protesters raised concerns that the Green Party removed its endorsement of the Cass report on gender identity services from its website soon after posting it.
The party has yet to issue a replacement, they added.
The report describes what is known about the young people who are seeking NHS support around their gender identity and sets out the recommended clinical approach to care and support they should expect.
Nicola Watson, a member of the Green Party for 40 years, was suspended in January.
She said: “The Green Party on the national website put up quite a moderate statement saying we need to look at this and it’s serious and that a way forward needs to be considered.
“It sayed up for I think three hours and then came down and I think that’s the only statement we’ve made.
“We would say that we’re not anti-trans but we are pro-women’s rights, and certainly when it comes to children. We’re very supportive of a proper, scientific approach.
“And we’re saying we haven’t got an answer to Cass? And we’re a political party. We should have.”
The Daily Express has launched a crusade to Protect Women's Rights in a bid to safeguard protections for single sex spaces.
The Green Women’s Declaration said women should have the right to exclusive spaces for reasons of safety and dignity.
They also believe that women deserve protection from discrimination, and the freedom to organise based on sex.
Dawn Furness, former co-chairwoman of Green Party Women, said: “Women’s rights are being ignored by the party.”
She claims she was assaulted at a previous conference for advocating that the party recognises biological sex in its policies.
“This mistreatment wouldn’t be tolerated for other groups,” a quote from Ms Furness on a leaflet handed to attendees by the protesters added.
A Green Party spokesman said: "It is central to our Green values that people with different views can work alongside each other.
“Our Code of Conduct for members’ behaviour reflects this.
“The party must have processes in place where potential breaches of the code and constitution of the party can be properly investigated.
“We are pleased to say that this week our party executive has agreed to a review, to test that the party’s processes are fair and robust."
