Thread by @SamanthaRatnam

So many Greens supporters have joined our movement over the years because of our unwavering commitment to equality, including for trans and gender diverse people.

Right now, those supporters are understandably very distressed & disappointed by what is happening in the party. 1/7

Earlier this week, I took action under the party's rules to have our recent election for convenor set aside, as the rules for the election weren't followed correctly.

Specifically, candidates weren’t given the opportunity to communicate with members about their candidacy. 2/7

This is something I believe to have materially impacted the outcome of the election.

I haven't made a public statement until now because I didn't want to compromise that process. 3/7

But I can now reveal that my action was successful and Linda Gale is no longer the Convenor of the Victorian Greens.

There will now be a new election for convenor and I urge Linda to not re-contest the election. 4/7

The rights of trans and gender diverse people are not up for debate.

To defend the use of trans-exclusionary language and allow debates about whether trans women should have access to the same spaces as cis women is to deny their very identities and right to equality. 5/7

There are limits to all debates. We don’t allow a debate on whether people of colour should have access to the same spaces as white people – because it’s racist.

In the same way, the rights of trans people should not be debated – because it is transphobic. 6/7

In positions of leadership, our personal views do matter. People need to trust that we can support and protect them at all times.

I stand with our trans and gender diverse communities. I will fight for you always 🏳️‍⚧️ 7/7