Trans protesters fail to silence feminist’s debate
TRANSGENDER activists failed to stop a feminist academic discussing her controversial views last night.
Professor Kathleen Stock believes that men cannot simply decide that they are female – an opinion that cost her job at Sussex University amid students protests.
The philosopher was applauded by many as she arrived at the Oxford Union. However, trans protesters were in the audience in the union chamber.
Prof Stock had spoken for nine minutes when three women interrupted to hand out leaflets declaring: “No More Dead Trans Kids.” They also unfurled a banner.
Booing erupted from the audience of around 300 and the protesters were ushered out by security to cheers.
One person shouted: “Free speech is a human right too.”
The debate was then delayed for 25 minutes by activist Riz Possnett who sat in front of Prof Stock.
Possnett glued themself to the floor and was released by police officers who escorted them out to loud cheers.
Outside several hundred pro-trans activists chanted, drummed and played loud pop music but the debate continued. Prof Stock said that trans men should not be allowed into female spaces like changing rooms.
She said: “What I think is crazy is to have laws and policies based on the fact that no one can tell you what your gender is and only you can know.”
The 51-year-old academic said the demonstration against her “was not traumatic for me – it was just some students.Those of my generation used to protest as well.
“What does concern me is institutions are taking on the views of these protesters and becoming propaganda machines for their views. I can think of myself as a man all I like but if I was to arm wrestle you [Oxford Union President Matthew Dick], for example, there are limits to my body and to women’s bodies.
“There are situations where it’s very difficult to overcome your body, no matter what you want, no matter what you feel.”
Around 200 protesters chanting
“Trans rights – human rights” had earlier marched to the 200-year-old debating society.
The university’s LGBTQ+ Society said it was standing up to Prof Stock’s “hateful views”. Earlier, PM Rishi Sunak said the academic had a right to be heard. He said: “A free society requires free debate.We should all be encouraged to engage respectfully with the ideas of others.
“University should be an environment where debate is supported, not stifled. We mustn’t allow a small but vocal few to shut down discussion. Kathleen Stock’s invitation to the Oxford Union should stand.”
THE Oxford Union has long been a bastion of free speech where opposing ideas can be debated. Credit must be given to the Union’s current leaders, who kept that tradition alive by inviting feminist academic Kathleen Stock to speak despite the opposition they knew it would provoke.
That opposition does not just come from people opposed to Prof Stock’s views. It comes from those who believe she should not be allowed to express them at all.
Prof Stock raises important concerns about the need to protect women’s rights and her voice must be heard.