Green Party Bristol councillors show solidarity with trans community during heated Council debate

Green Party councillors in Bristol stood firm for trans rights earlier this week, holding up Pride flags and banners in the council chamber after a meeting became tense when women’s rights campaigners attended.

The display followed a similar incident in September, when several Green councillors walked out of a full council meeting in protest at what they described as transphobic and offensive comments from members of the public.

The dispute centres on an April Supreme Court ruling that the term “woman” in the Equality Act 2010 refers to biological sex - a decision that has sparked ongoing debate about its implications for trans and non-binary people.

A spokesperson for the Green Party reaffirmed its position, stating: “The Green Party stands firmly in support of trans people and will continue to fight for those most marginalised in our community.”

During the meeting, campaigners raised concerns about what they see as the erosion of sex-based rights. One attendee, Wendy Stephenson, said: “People with ovaries are women, people who give birth are women, people who need maternity services are women.”

Phoebe Beedell questioned council leader Tony Dyer on whether councillors who walked out previously would “listen with respect, attention and tolerance” to views they disagree with, including those from women concerned about sex-based rights.

In a written response prior to the meeting, Mr Dyer stressed that the council listens to all citizens but added: “Whilst gender critical beliefs are protected under the Equality Act 2010 as a philosophical belief, this does not mean that other people must remain in a space where they feel offended or distressed by those views.”

When asked whether he approved of the Pride flags and banners displayed by councillors, Mr Dyer said everyone had the right to make statements and that he did not find LGBTQ+ symbols offensive.

The Bristol Green Party later issued a statement emphasising the importance of safety and dignity for all: “Exercising a right to express a belief does not mean that we must ignore the impact that words have on people. Councillors should not be expected to sit without a right of reply if they feel under attack for their very existence or for the existence of their colleagues.”