Thread by @Fact_Fem

Reem Alsalem is on fucking fire 🔥
Making ScotGov look like the utter idiots that they are.
"There is no proof anywhere that it [GRA Reform] should be unhinged, that there should be complete disregard for safeguards."

"There doesn't need to be contact... they can look at you, flash you. You can fear being in their vicinity. This is also a form of sexual violence... men do not go through these same experiences & therefore may not have a full understanding of the implications." #ReemAlsalem

On ethnic minority & religious minority women: "Its our job as states & organisations to reduce [women's] barriers for access... the groups that have higher rates of violence potentially... we have to know why they won't access [services] without passing judgement." #ReemAlsalem

"The fact the data doesn't exist, it does exist, but isn't consolidated is not a reflection that we dont have a problem. It's a reflection that we dont have people looking for it... but we've had victims and women's organisations saying that it's a problem for some time now."

#ReemAlsalem reiterates repeatedly that this is an "unhinged" approach. She says that with hindsight she would not have joined letter to Bulgaria on basis of Yogyakarta Principles, which she calls "dangerous".
I suspect Karen Adams thought she'd be able to catch her out.

"What I see missing now that I didn't underatand back then is the lack of safeguards. When its an unhinged unregulated process it can impact enjoyment of rights by women & cause real concerns. I underatand that better now. Not just for scotland but also for Spain... & Germany."

#ReemAlsalem "Its a question for the people that parliamentarians represent, whether they think this bill has been adequately considered." 🔥

#ReemAlsalem On the evidence in relation to various concerns, she talks of women's voices and experiences:
"Its really not a culture war. It's a human rights issue. Its a right to be able to have your needs heard and concerns addressed."

"The needs of those who are comfortable are addressed... even before the GRA there are very real challenges working out practically how you can exclude transpersons... the issue is by making access to GRC easier you will get more GRC holders & bigger challenges." #ReemAlsalem

"Many things in life that nobody questions safeguards or regulations for... We are more surrounded by these processes that have safeguards than we realise, so why should this be an exception. It doesnt violate their rights if we do it in a proportionate way." #ReemAlsalem