Ban pre-op trans women from female spaces – poll

NEARLY two-thirds of people believe trans women with male bodies should be barred from women’s prisons, gyms and changing rooms.

And there is widespread support for the decision by the UK Government to block Scottish legislation allowing anyone to change their gender by making a declaration.

Polling shows 64 per cent believe trans women who have not undergone genital surgery should be prevented from using women’s changing rooms.

A similar proportion, 65 per cent, said trans women who have not had surgery should be kept out of women’s prisons, while 62 per cent said they should be barred from women-only gyms and swimming sessions.

The survey by Redfield & Wilton Strategies found that slightly more women than men oppose access for trans women who have not underwhere

gone an operation. The issue has sparked a constitutional battle after the Government said it is blocking the Gender Recognition Reform (Scotland) Bill, after its approval by the Scottish parliament. First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has warned the issue will “inevitably end up in court”.

But the Government’s stance is backed by 50 per cent of voters, far more than the 18 per cent who

oppose the decision. In Scotland, 50 per cent think the UK Government is right, with 30 per cent disagreeing.

Free speech campaigner and journalist Toby Young said: “On this issue, Nicola Sturgeon and the progressive elite are completely out of step with the British public.

“I support trans rights but not at the expense of women’s rights. Trans women make up, at most, 0.25 per cent of the population, whereas women make up 50 per cent. So if we have to choose between trans rights and women’s rights in those areas

they conflict, it’s a no brainer.” The proposed Scottish law would allow people to obtain a Gender Recognition Certificate, changing their legal sex, by making a declaration that they intend to live permanently as their new gender. It would also lower the minimum age at which a person can apply from 18 to 16.

Ms Sturgeon faced criticism after transgender woman Isla Bryson was sent to a Scottish women’s prison in segregation to be assessed, after being convicted of two rapes carried out when she identified as a man.