BBC not happy

The BBC is very grudging. Of course it is.

In the initial tribunal employment judge James Tayler concluded that Ms Forstater was “absolutist” in her view and said she was not entitled to ignore the rights of a transgender person and the “enormous pain that can be caused by misgendering”.

The usual shit – accusing us of planning or trying or wanting to ignore the rights of trans people.

Also, “misgendering” is a novel word and concept, and one with some sinister implications.

Ms Forstater said she was “delighted to have been vindicated” but [her former employer] CGD said the decision was a “step backwards for inclusivity and equality for all”.

Amanda Glassman, executive vice president of CGD, said: “The decision is disappointing and surprising because we believe Judge Tayler got it right when he found this type of offensive speech causes harm to trans people, and therefore could not be protected under the Equality Act.

“Today’s decision is a step backwards for inclusivity and equality for all.”

In a video statement, Ms Forstater said: “I’m proud of the role I’ve played in clarifying the law and encouraging more people to speak up”.

Notice how much more space the BBC gave the other party to make their case than it gave to Maya.

Then the analysis, by Dominic Casciani:

Where does this leave employers? Equality and employment law require them to recognise and uphold the rights of all in the workplace.

Ms Forstater’s speech and beliefs are protected – but so are the rights of trans people. And if speech crosses the line from an honestly held belief to bullying, attacks and intimidation, then the scales very obviously tip in favour of protecting the victim.

As if Maya were planning or hoping or campaigning to bully and attack and intimidate people.

I wonder if Mr Casciani is aware that women are sometimes subject to bullying, attacks and intimidation. I wonder if he’s aware that we’re sometimes subject to bullying, attacks and intimidation by trans people and their self-appointed allies.

And when I say “sometimes” I mean constantly.

Lui Asquith, director of legal and policy at Mermaids, a charity that supports transgender, non-binary and gender-diverse children and young people, said: “This is not the win anti-trans campaigners will suggest in the coming days.

“We, as trans people, are protected by equality law and this decision in the Maya Forstater case does not give anyone the right to unlawfully harass, intimidate, abuse or discriminate against us because we are trans.”

Again – nobody is planning to unlawfully harass, intimidate, abuse or discriminate against you, and by the way could you stop doing it to us?

The BBC: institutional capture.

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