The Scottish Conservative 2022 local government manifesto will include support for women’s same-sex spaces at council-run venues, it has been announced today.
Spokeswoman on gender reform Meghan Gallacher MSP said the move was essential to protect women’s rights and safety.
She said the pro-women policy was particularly vital for those who need the support of rape crisis centres and domestic violence shelters.
The party has also today committed to supporting women’s spaces in council-run venues including schools, parks and swimming pools.
The Scottish Conservatives are the first and so far only major party to make the commitment to women’s rights and safety in their 2022 manifesto.
This party position has been confirmed at this time in response to requests in recent days from women’s organisations seeking clarity on the position of each major party over gender reform laws.
Women’s groups and campaigners such as JK Rowling have called for women’s same-sex spaces to be protected.
The Scottish Conservatives have also confirmed today that, in line with the party’s 2021 manifesto commitment, they will continue to support a ban on the abhorrent practice of conversion therapy, including a commitment to vote for a ban on trans conversion therapy in future Scottish Parliament legislation.
Scottish Conservative spokeswoman on gender reform, Meghan Gallacher MSP, said:
“Our local government manifesto will include a commitment to protect women’s same-sex spaces.
“It is essential that we continue to respect women’s safety.
‘We cannot allow long-held rights to be eroded.
“Many women feel that their place in society and their safety is under threat.
“Those views should be heard and respected, not dismissed, as they have been on too many occasions.
“It is particularly vital that women who need the support of rape crisis centres and domestic violence shelters feel they are safe from the harm of abusers.
“That potential danger does not come from trans women but from predatory men who may go to great lengths to hurt women.
“The recently published Equality and Human Rights Commission guidance is very welcome.
“It provides the necessary clarity that allows organisations to protect women’s rights and safety.
“Our councillors will vote to provide facilities for trans women that fully complies with the EHRC guidance.”
