Lib Dem manifesto pledges Gender Recognition Act reform - BBC Newsnight

Dr Sarah Wollaston talks to Emily Maitlis about the Liberal Democrat's pledge to reform the Gender Recognition Act in their election manifesto.
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The Liberal Democrats have pledged to reform the Gender Recognition Act in their election manifesto, so it no longer includes a requirement for medical reports to be submitted and recognises non-binary gender identities. Applicants for passports would be able to fill in an "X gender option" under its plans.
Dr Sarah Wollaston left the Conservative Party in February 2019 and joined the newly formed Change UK. She left Change UK in June 2019, before joining the Liberal Democrats in August over her views on Brexit.
#GeneralElection2019 #GE19
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[@BatTaz19]

How many times can she shoot herself in the foot before dying?

[@RichardWrightFirth]

And then the Lib Dems lose my vote.

[@stevenp6761]

The problem is, who to vote then? Tories are the absolute worst. So no for them. So all we are left is a “free for all” labour or this gender madness. Uk is f..cked.

[@JengoFate]

She doesn’t really answer theses questions

[@WillScarlet1991]

When have they ever?

[@blackswan1983]

"It's not about women's rights, it's about a group of people who have been discriminated against for a very long time." They throw women under the bus each time in favour of the feelings of former men. She answered quite honestly, she didn't give a shit about the women.

[@livelife5947]

Yep I’m definitely not voting Lib Dem now or ever. I heard Jo referred to biological women as non-trans women recently & now this 👀. To see women advocating for this nonsense is appalling.

[@whoflungdung1046]

Vote for the Brexit Party like all the other normal people like me are

[@Michael-vn1td]

Homeless people are starving on the streets and public sector workers are on their knees, let's not forget.

[@matthewbaynham6286]

A master class in not answering the question. Just watch the video and ask each answer comes remember what the question was. She simply didn't answer any of the questions. Shouldn't it be Boris who doesn't answer questions.

[@Verity_Truth666]

I am so glad this is on public television. People need to wake up to this madness before it's enshrined in law and it's too late. I'm actually thankful to the clusterfuck that is the LibDems for bringing the matter into the spotlight.

[@raziel3726]

Lunatics are Running the Asylum put it on lockdown!!

[@jakehenderson9845]

more like clowns.

[@joerooney8755]

now im in the mood to play outlast

[@neilrafferty2097]

Fortunately they aren’t running anything .

[@AICabal]

Oh nice. I am now identifying as a woman. Oh and im heavily pregnant. I'll take my maternity leave now. Prove im not.

[@AlanWattResistance]

You go girl!

[@rjanarvikk4006]

@@AlanWattResistance YASSSSSSSS KWEEEEEEN

[@benusmaximus3601]

Government should not concern itself with gender identity - leave society to discuss that among itself...

[@CHIL2903]

It's Marxism pure and simple. They thrive on conflict and change and if it doesn't exist they will create it. What better way than create a minority group that they can act as spokes"people" for and champion?

[@olliegibbons]

The question is not should trans people be allowed in women's spaces? The question is if anyone can self identify, what are the safeguards against this reform being taken advantage of?

[@unicorntomboy9736]

It's everyone's right to identify as we want to.

[@olliegibbons]

@@unicorntomboy9736 Gentleman Gamer You can identify however you like, that's freedom of expression. What the Liberal Democrats are proposing is that you can legally change your identity without any medical basis. Without a medical basis, what stops men who are not transgender from taking advantage? Instead of answering the interviewers questions as asked, Sarah Wollaston talks about how trans-women are not a threat but that is not what is being suggested. When pushed, Wollaston mentions a 'seperate route' to prevent men who are not trans-gender accessing women's spaces. However, if not medical diagnosis, what is the 'seperate route'?

[@unicorntomboy9736]

@@olliegibbons that's a ridiculous claim

[@olliegibbons]

@@unicorntomboy9736 I posted a bit of a wall of text. Which part was ridiculous? Why was it ridiculous?

[@unicorntomboy9736]

@@olliegibbons That they will somehow take advantage of it

[@brythonekgrey1744]

These are the sorts of policies rival parties love !

[@securoserv1405]

That woman needs a reality check

[@beesplaining1882]

I really empathise with trans gender people. They deserve their rights just like all other human beings. But aren't there many other more pressing matters that politicians should be working on other than toilet demarcations? Please fix the big problems first.

[@leftgrrl]

Bet there were loads of other things in that manifesto. Corrupt, pro-child abuse "journalist" dictating the conversation.

[@biscuitdunker3948]

I don't it's just goes against nature. All it is is another way for doctors to make money. Plastic surgery etc... Should be used for emergency purposes only. Not because of vanity and attention.

[@MostlyLoveOfMusic]

I was born into the wrong body as well - I should have been hotter; I want everyone to identify me as a muscle god

[@4TheRecord]

Wants to promote the fact someone can choose to be male or female and at the same time is against males being allowed in female only spaces. Can't have it both ways love!

[@rexel666]

Nutcases.

[@diaperdude6163]

History will look back on this and laugh very fucking hard.

[@DJItchyBoo]

She's totally ignoring the important nuances of this issue.

[@BlogofTheW3st]

I don’t expect this lunacy will continue. I think we’ve just reached peak lefty wackiness. Relax everybody, this will pass.

[@BlogofTheW3st]

Dnf Bdb I’m certainly only saying my opinion. I’m not saying anything that I could prove. I just think this is too nutty.

[@BlogofTheW3st]

ejiro okri That’s certainly possible.

[@livelife5947]

Blog of The W3st I believe it’s just getting started www.rollonfriday.com/news-content/dentons-campaigns-kids-switch-gender-without-parental-approval

[@KYLE-tw9ie]

finally the big problems(!)

[@heathermimiwahlquist5587]

This is #AntiScientific

[@blackswan1983]

Sex is identified at birth. Gender isn't assigned. FFS, sex and gender are different! Scientific illiteracy is bad enough, but now we're also ignoring dictionary definitions in favour of feelings.

[@AlanWattResistance]

Sex and gender are the same thing.

[@blackswan1983]

The interviewer keeps asking "what about the women?" and the lady keeps bringing up how horrible it is for the trans people. Once again, the feelings of men supercede the needs of women.

[@Youngblood1934]

Satanists

[@headspaceist]

Madness is being unleashed upon the World, this is horrifying.

[@coramdeo4955]

'Male and female created he them' - Genesis 5:2

[@yatesy117]

And they have the nerve to call Trump "crazy"!

[@beesplaining1882]

Is he a stable genius or the chozen one or both? Just curious.

[@Nigelforemporor]

Worlds gone mad

[@Mozee854]

Deary me. What a mess.

[@UNSKIALzPSN]

Shot in the foot!! Focus on being a middle ground!

[@deveshilegate1104]

Sex and gender aren't the same thing.

[@WillScarlet1991]

Sex determines gender. You don't need a degree to know that.

[@VAMR-vc7xg]

@@WillScarlet1991 How can two sexes determine over 100 genders?

[@WillScarlet1991]

@@VAMR-vc7xg They can't.

[@deveshilegate1104]

@@WillScarlet1991 Sex is biological, gender is cultural. As such they are mutually influential but still independent. I guess it is fair for you to say "Sex determines gender. You don't need a degree to know that." As it is correct that you don't need a degree to know wrong information. However, some education is usually helpful if you plan on pursuing the facts. Anthropology in this case.

[@WillScarlet1991]

@@deveshilegate1104 I'm sorry but you're going against nature if you're physically a male or female and you think you're the opposite. Nature doesn't lie.

[@cfhutgfre]

Give the lib dems your vote. Dont prop up Corbyn. Give her your support. The lib dems are to important. Even if they lose a seat the vote percentage will be recorded

[@headspaceist]

Many Women do not understand that the Trans movement is a direct attack on womenkind, the power dynamics behind the trans movement is truly terrifying, the human craving for power knows no bounds, there are many men who can see the power that many women have, and they want a piece of the action. Sadly it is many women who are leading the charge for their own destruction.

[@blakex1928]

Just like alot of the Equality rhetoric is a power grab for women. The real solution is for people to be looked at as individuals rather than a collection of demographic identities

[@gronkmusic7973]

I logged onto this ready to be persuaded. I really wanted to understand. But this is madness, utter madness.

[@caseyogden7105]

what the fuck is going on in the comment section, is there anyone here advocating equal rights or is everyone just enjoying insulting people who are less privileged than they are? edit: the act doesnt legalise rape, it allows trans people access to basic rights, specifically in this case, going to the toilet in a public restroom that matches their gender identity. people will find loopholes in laws, thats a given, but denying a minority rights because an even smaller minority wants to sexually assault women is mad to me and as i said, this act isnt legalising rape, so anyone who does this can be put in jail and - maybe if the lib dems had thought about it a bit more - they could put in a system where if you are found to be abusing this loophole, you can have these rights revoked (on a case by case basis). those are my thoughts on the matter, i am open to criticism and debate (criticism is not mindless name calling and hate speech so be civil)

[@AlanWattResistance]

Little girls don't want you in their toilets.

[@theanimehub2180]

They're delusional. Get them talk therapy instead of fueling their warped view of reality.

[@rexel666]

The female brain: "I feel x, therefore I'm right and you must be destroyed."

[@rayofsunshine427]

The interviewer has more sense. There are very few people who are truly transgender - which is caused by mutation at birth. This woman who is a Lib dem does not put into consideration that these people who believe that are transgender might actually have mental health issues because it is not normal to want to cut off a person's genitals or be genderless. Why cant human logic be sensible for once, this is crazy and worrying! And will put more people at risk.

[@hyper_fn_al1459]

Some of the hosts asking questions on this show are bias. It results in more interesting conversations. It also becomes more confusing than it should be. Inconvenient for an informative channel.

[@Nevsmith02]

How the patron of Rape Crisis can support such a stupid, ideological position is incredible. She should reflect and feel ashamed.

[@andybray9791]

I didn’t mind John Pugh much but this era of Lib Dem’s they are terrible

[@awesomeavenger2810]

For whatever reason, these people are like they are. That doesn't make them bad people. And I have no idea why anyone would hate them for it. But the problems Maitlis highlighted are there. Only every time she asked about them, Dr Wollaston's reply was to talk about discrimination against trans people. Dr Wollaston began by saying how humiliating it must be to undergo medical examinations (to, I presume, determine if they are medically transitioning from one sex to the other). But then near the end, she says there must be a system in place to prevent 'somebody who is clearly not transitioning' from abusing the act - ??? That is the whole question. How would it be decided who is abusing the act and who isn't, without some kind of examination?

[@jota3732]

Move onto 2021 , and men are now winning , women’s sports , this is just the start of the madness , this has so many connotations. Be careful what you wish for .

[@senbai9163]

Cancel Brexit. Vote for Lib Dems.

[@amandachina24]

I won’t vote for them and I will spread this video far and wide. Ridiculous!

[@maxt7525]

What a stupid idea, let’s focus on real issues

[@hoemandjamshidi2904]

Shame on libdem The son of Iranian Supreme Leader’s representative in Manchester has been selected by Liberal Democrats as a candidate to run for a seat in the British parliament. Ali Avaei who has been a member of the Liberal Democratic party for more than a decade immigrated to Great Britain in 2001. He is running for Newcastle upon Tyne Central constituency.Shame on you alot of people have been kieled by his famili just this november protesting unaremed shot in the head by iranian security his uncel is minister of justice blood pooring betwin his families fingers shame on you

[@Imsuper656]

BOO!

[@coramdeo4955]

If ever we needed a reason not to trust our politicians - she is it! Don't give up Nigel.

[@Broomehall]

Gender issues aside for a minute ( because there are far more important issues facing our Country right now ) Jo Swinson has about as much chance of being the next PM as i do .... ie: None .... Don't waste your vote on them.

[@robthehitmanrude]

it puts the lotion in the basket...

[@razabadass]

Thank you team Emily! Raza :)

[@jackshepard9785]

Gender: "Bollocks"

[@TheYopogo]

One of their only good policies.

[@dbking4194]

Her facial expression at the end tells it all. She is thinking...”Well that is the end of my career. I do not believe I am defending this nonsense.”

[@user-gf3wn1ne9n]

@02:02 "feel that they are in the wrong body" HA, even Mermaids have distanced themselves from that shit now.

[@ConceptQuad2]

Sarah and Emily are transgenders but won’t declare it! Wonder why???

[@carolynshaw9823]

What really concerns me is women's safety and right throughout county my grandmother and great grandmother and other women who were safergets and thought and dyed for women's rights to vote and education as well a safety from abusive men not just for them selves for their children. We women have always had to take second place to men a man's wants and needs have to take precedence be them transgender or not. The transgender issue has been stripping away at all the ganes that the staffergets fought so hard for all women and young girls could have a better way off life.

[@blakex1928]

Men also built society and most of the things around you. heck you wouldnt exist without one I get your point but try to sound less demeaning of men in general

[@crumblyduckling403]

Interviewer: what about WOMEN? Lib Dems: Never mind them. This is about the MEN. Lib Dems: We'll wait for women to be attacked. THEN we - just might - have to concede the flaws. Lib Dems: Poor little men trapped in the wrong body. Everyone else: Here's a revolutionary new idea - how about believing you're born in the RIGHT body? Lib Dems: Gasp!

[@that_pac123]

Does someone check your passport or genitals when you whether a bathroom? No. The situation in bathrooms and locker rooms would be unchanged.

[@remigiuszhildebrandt7111]

is not that true: that biology of one person is not actually one - meaning as they translate it as masculine and feminine coexisiting in one body? I think its right look at this what experience now looking in and out. Is male and female (but not as the body as they aree mixed of different elemnts, each one is a mixture) principle at looking at this - surely! I constantly can make my mind and say: this look this word or experession is toatlly one or the other yet within one person there are some differences in these expresiion - for expample one one is resting and when one is acting - they probably opposite sucha as male and female. If you ask me what law is meant to be on that matter? i think this is matter beyomd matter.... and should be left somehow freely to each their own standards of interpretation. for younger than me an dnot knowing it would say this: sexing brings the change sometimes as deep as your sex, do it the way you want, but think of it long and deep, so you become strong.

[@remigiuszhildebrandt7111]

in my opinion - male or female body, is not really one and only gender even tho it looks like this, talking only of biologiacl level. because such idea i hold based on what i know - as for living in this body and associating with it probably its like that biology is bi, dual for every organism to live there has to be dual forces within. I know that on psych level there is identity which is usulaly girl or boy as to say, in one given moment but what as what - biology os single unit is dual.

[@remigiuszhildebrandt7111]

because dual biology in two individuals plus numbers of psych/spirit associations - makes it exaclty what it is, writing laws one single way at this stage is exactly what would be misrespresented (not clear) writing law (that supposed to be clear) is harder than i can imagine in my cteative ways.

[@zenairzodiac5398]

What a load of nonsense////

[@jdb352]

The crucial question that needs to be asked of the Lib Dems on this absurd policy pledge is HOW on Earth, and WHO on earth, is going to enforce this law? She avoids giving the answer that it will have to be, in the first instance, the public, and in the second, employees operating the space. She says that if someone who is clearly still physically a man walks into a female changing room then that “wouldn’t be right” but then what would she do in that situation? Would she ask that man to leave? She seems to say she would. But what if it backfired and it is a transgender women (albeit one who looks biologically male) who identifies as a women (as per the Lib Dem’s new law) and this person takes great offence and refuses to leave? Then what? Do you go get a member of staff? At the point, the trans person would legitimately say they have been discriminated by the company employing the member of staff. So in reality nobody will say anything out of fear of being sued. And that’s the natural consequence of this absurdly ill thought out policy.

[@aaronelvery8074]

Would have got my vote 100% but then I see this and I cannot support this. Women are women and men are men... it has been that way forever. End of story. If you feel uncomfortable as a woman and want to be a man that's fine, go about what you need to do but keep it to yourself. I won't judge you if I see you in the street but don't be forceing me to accept that you want the freedom to call yourself whatever you may bloody please and then force everyone else to accept that.

[@TheShepTV]

Wow, niche

[@fionalaw2417]

There is currently a male bodied sex offender in a women's prison in Limerick, Ireland. Self ID is clearly amazing and in no way overrides women's safety at all :P

[@that_pac123]

Hopefully they get to do that propping up a Labour government. :)

[@danielabryson-peart1656]

Contemptable rubbish!!

[@that_pac123]

There's no shortage of non-binary people you can invite on to discuss their experiences with gender, me for example, invite me lol, I can give you a better insight than a cis person, even a cis person who's a doctor. Hell even a binary trans woman like Natalie Wynn who has a history of discussing this exact issue would be better. This doctor was like ok at articulating the point but she didn't challenge the base assumption of that TERF argument the host was using the entire time until a little bit at the very end.

[@heathermimiwahlquist5587]

Medical You need your license removed! #Malpractice

[@Aspartame69]

I didnt realise that maitlis was a hateful transphobe. I dont want to be rude, but i assumed she was a trans-woman anyway.

[@mosleystash2480]

We’ve become waaaaay too liberal. This is nonsense.

[@MostlyLoveOfMusic]

So-called "safe spaces" for women or any other group are outdated concepts. I think every space should be a mixed space, and be done with this whole trivial bickering

[@VAMR-vc7xg]

Pervert.

[@MostlyLoveOfMusic]

@@VAMR-vc7xg nope, i think all people should be able to exist together, and besides im mostly into guys so there goes your theory

[@VAMR-vc7xg]

@@MostlyLoveOfMusic So no empathy for women and girls then. Fortunately, the vast majority of us do not agree with you.

[@sgl0d10n]

Don't call yourself an LGBT ally if you don't believe in trans rights.

[@VAMR-vc7xg]

I am an LGB ally.