A peaceful protest “fighting for equality” is set to take place in York city centre this weekend.
Supporters of trans rights will gather in St Helens Square on Saturday 26 April, in response to the Supreme Court’s recent ruling that legally defines the term ‘woman’ by biological sex.
The static demonstration, organised by York LGBT Forum, will see participants assemble without a march, with the aim to make a visible, yet non-disruptive, stand.
The protest follows a long running legal argument, which came to a close on 15 April, when judges at the UK Supreme Court unanimously ruled that, under equalities law, a woman is defined by her biological sex.
York LGBT Forum fears that the ruling could contribute to the further marginalisation of trans, non-binary, and gender-diverse individuals, and reaffirmed their solidarity with the wider LGBTQ+ community.
In a statement released online, the group said:
“We don’t yet know what the implications of the ruling will be in practice, but we do know it speaks to wider trends that we find hugely concerning: growing hostility towards queer and trans people, now also paired with the erosion of their legal protections.”
They added that the decision was not a victory for women’s rights, but rather encourages transphobia, prejudice and sets dangerous precedents, especially affecting those with intersectional identities.
“York LGBT Forum is, and always will be, a trans-inclusive organisation. We’ll keep fighting for equality, for safety, and for dignity for all.”
The group is encouraging anyone to attend the protest. The event’s Facebook page currently shows over 100 people marked as interested.
It will take place on Saturday 26 April, at 1pm, at St Helens Square. For more information, click here.
