A Labour minister has called for an apology from the Conservative Party over their handling of gender identity issues during their time in power.
The row was sparked after the Supreme Court ruled that a woman is defined by biology, not gender. The decision caused celebrations among some sex-critical groups, while it raised concerns within the trans community.
Tory leader Kemi Badenoch hailed the ruling as a “victory,” while Labour’s Karin Smyth demanded an apology from the Tories for letting gender identity questions linger for so long.
🤝 Smyth Criticises Tory Government on Gender Identity
Health and Social Care Minister Karin Smyth did not hold back when discussing the Tories’ past approach to gender issues. Speaking on BBC Breakfast, she said the Conservatives needed to apologise for “allowing this issue to drift.”
She added that the Tories were the ones who began self-identification policies, referencing a time when one of their leaders stated in Parliament that “trans women are women.” Smyth’s criticism of the Tories was sharp, especially since the party only reversed their position on self-identification in 2020.
💭 Reflections on the Past and Looking Ahead
Smyth emphasised that the current Labour government believes in dignity and privacy for all, supporting policies that ensure respect for individuals, regardless of gender identity. She also pointed to Labour’s Gender Recognition Act and the Equality Act as proof of their commitment to safeguarding rights.
Meanwhile, the Conservative Party’s stance on gender issues has shifted over time, particularly under different leaders. Former PM Theresa May supported “de-medicalising” gender recognition, but her successor Boris Johnson scrapped those plans entirely. Most recently, Rishi Sunak blocked Scotland’s bill to introduce self-identification.
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