16/07/2024
LGBT Labour, the main campaign group for our community in the Labour Party, has expressed its concern over a decision made by Labour MP Anneliese Dodds, to meet a fringe anti-equality organisation. Dodds has announced a plan to meet with a group which calls itself the LGB Alliance, but which a Pink News investigation in 2022 revealed was operated by a front group from an address used by a variety of hard right wing organisations. The Alliance, which is not believed to have many members, opposes trans equality, but also, and paradoxically, is opposed to gay and lesbian equality as well, with various pronouncements over issues such as support for gay young people and Pride events. LGBT Labour said "We will be seeking an explanation from Anneliese's office, as well as reassurances from the Labour Party leadership on policy commitments to LGBT+ people, including trans people, on healthcare, hate crime, conversion therapy and gender recognition reform. Wikipedia notes that on transgender rights, Dodds has affirmed Labour's commitment to "trans people and women" but also wanted the current the requirement for gender dysphoria for legal changes in gender, in addition to claiming the necessity of "places where it is reasonable for biological women only to have access." LGBTQIA newswire Pink News accused Ms Dodds of "sitting on the fence" on the issue.