Cambridgeshire councillors back motion supporting Trans Rights

A majority of councillors on Cambridgeshire County Council have voted in favour of a motion affirming their support for the rights of trans and non-binary communities, in a move hailed by campaigners as a vital stand for equality.

The motion, brought forward by Liberal Democrat councillor Alison Whelan, was debated during a full council meeting earlier this week. It called on the council to reaffirm its commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, and to ensure that all individuals - including women and girls, trans men, trans women, and non-binary people - are protected from gender-based violence and systemic discrimination.

Cllr Whelan said the motion was a response to the “disproportionate amount of repression and hate” faced by trans people, particularly in light of a recent Supreme Court ruling that redefined the legal interpretation of ‘sex’ under the Equality Act 2010. The ruling, which states that ‘sex’ refers to biological sex, has been criticised for undermining the legal recognition of trans and non-binary individuals.

Reading a letter from a local transgender resident, Cllr Whelan shared the emotional toll of being labelled “a threat, a danger, a problem to be solved” simply for existing. “People who take rights away from one group,” she warned, “then take them away from everyone.”

The motion was seconded by fellow Liberal Democrat councillor Yannifer Malinowski, who is herself a trans woman. She spoke candidly about her experience in public life, noting that her gender identity had not been an issue since her election. However, she expressed concern over what she described as a “toxic political and social climate” that is making life increasingly difficult for trans people.

“We must show that against this backdrop, we here in Cambridgeshire stand in solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community,” she said, “especially trans men, women and non-binary people, who face the greatest of all barriers to acceptance”.