There's a need for great care when arguing for the need to protect 'safe spaces'. To contend 'X, member of group, is a criminal and so you should fear all in that group' is to adopt a trope favoured by bigots down the ages. 1/3
The Equality Act (and the very provision Jean cites) talks of "proportionate" measures to achieve "legitimate" aims. This languages recognises the need carefully to balance conflicting rights and dignities. Trans men and women, like cis men and women are entitled to respect. 2/3
How real is the risk? What is necessary to safeguard against it? How might these safeguards be operated to protect the rights and dignities of all? These questions are more likely to generate policy responses that achieve that balance than broad assertion. 3/3
I wasn't tweeting especially about trans men and women in the prison system, but, for those interested, the @Commonswomequ of Parliament has published a report which deals with the issue from paras 300. publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201516/cm…
It cites these two cases bbc.co.uk/news/uk-englan… and bbc.co.uk/news/uk-englan…
If you've read this thread - and are a bit baffled by the strong reactions it has provoked - I'd recommend this characteristically sensitive Q&A written by the leading feminist charity, @fawcettsociety. fawcettsociety.org.uk/Handlers/Downl…
