Part II!
And let's start with a look at the 10 Green Councillors. Please hold them in your thoughts come election time!
And now, a palate cleanser from Council leader Jane Meagher of @EdinburghLabour who clearly and concisely explained why women need single sex services and trauma-informed care. Cllr Meagher was one of the women who set up EWA and she is something of a legend!
For completeness, this is Cllr Watt of Labour who called the Green motion "irresponsible".
The Labour amendment set out how EWA actually operates, how this accords with the council contract, and how their approach is informed by the needs of service users. Also, that they are blinking good at it!
These are the Labour councillors. Also remember them at election - for the opposite reason to the Greens!
edinburghlabour.org/ourcouncillors
Also deserving of thanks are the @EdinburghTories councillors.
You can find them here: edinburghconservatives.org.uk/people
This is the Conservative amendment. They commended EWA for following the law and welcomed their commitment to provide trauma-informed care while also remaining empathetic to anyone seeking help.
Cllr Jo Mowatt said she was old enough to remember when had to resign from work due to pregnancy. She defended the right of EWA to provide single sex services in line with the law: "What is more legitimate than that of providing services to women who have been abused?"
Cllr Marie-Clair Munro said "Our amendment reflects a commitment to safeguarding these critical services which provide vital support for women and girls who have experienced the profound trauma... of domestic abuse."
"Women's safety must always come first." Hear, hear!
Cllr Whyte said "I believe the motion itself is iniquitous". He said women "have to feel safe...We should respect their expertise around that" & pointed out that EWA gets the highest rating from the care inspector.
OK, back later after that reprieve of sanity from more lunacy!
An understandably emotional Jane Meagher outside the city chambers.
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