Trans woman allowed to run for female seat by UK's biggest trade union
A trans woman has been allowed to run for a female seat at Britain's biggest trade union, despite the Supreme Court gender ruling. Ellie Waple has been selected as one of four candidates to fill the women's disabled members' seat on Unison's National Executive Council. The autistic train enthusiast is a member of the union's Surrey branch and was born blind, and also has cerebral palsy. In Waple's nomination statement, the IT technician and self-proclaimed socialist criticises Labour and says 'that is increasingly showing itself to be unwilling to support working class people'. She has pledged to 'build a movement that fights against Starmer’s war and austerity agenda', reported the Telegraph. The nomination comes following the landmark Supreme Court ruling that under the Equality Act a 'woman' means a biological woman. Interim guidance was published by the Equalities and Human Rights Commision following the ruling which said trans women 'should not be permitted to use the women's facilities' in workplaces or public-facing services.Unison said last month it was 'carefully considering the implications of the judgment'. Ellie Waple has been selected as one of four candidates to fill the women's disabled members' seat on Unison's National Executive Council The autistic train enthusiast is a member of the union's Surrey branch and was born blind, and also has cerebral palsyIts statement read: 'Unison will consider how best to support and accommodate the needs of women and trans people in light of the court's decision.'As stated by the Supreme Court, its judgment should not be read as a triumph of one or more groups in society at the expense of another and Unison, as the leading equalities union, will continue to promote the workplace rights of women, trans and LGBT+ workers.'Employers and other organisations should not overreact to this judgment. The union also recognises that as the implications of the judgment are worked through, members may be affected by the uncertainty of their situation.'Waple said in her nomination statement: 'In my view, Unison should not be supporting a party that drives through cuts against our jobs, pay and conditions. 'We need an anti-cuts working-class party with public representatives that back our members fight 100 per cent.' Waple has vowed to take her seat if elected, telling the Telegraph: 'The biggest threat to women’s rights is not trans people, but rather the one per cent of super-powerful rich, clinging to their wealth and denying real funding for housing, domestic violence services and women’s services. 'The undemocratic and unaccountable Supreme Court ruling plays to the false narrative and agenda that trans people are a threat to women and will only serve to create a climate of fear among trans people. Unison said it was an internal electoral issue that is consistent with its long-standing rules.
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Trans woman is allowed to run for female seat by Britain's biggest trade union - despite Supreme Court gender ruling
