A Sheffield election hopeful has called the suspension of a current councillor “absolutely the right decision” after complaints were made about her controversial stance on trans and gender issues
Laura Moynahan, who is standing for the role in Manor Castle, made the comments after Alison Teal received a no fault suspension on Wednesday.
Ms Teal had quoted writer Jean Hatchet, who condemned Eddie Izzard using the women’s toilets at a Labour Party fundraising event last month.
“Powerful piece by @JeanHatchet “The loss of women’s rights starts with looking the other way for an Eddie Izzard and ends with a society that doesn’t flinch at placing a male sex offender in jail with women.” Serious issues we must discuss. @SheffieldGreens”
via @alisonclareteal on Twitter
Ms Moynahan said there were “clearly differences in the Green Party” that they must sort out. Six of the 14 Green Party councillors in Sheffield say they will not campaign for her as a result, instead Tweeting their support for the community.
It was only last year, in July 2021, that the party’s co-leader Sian Berry stepped down, blaming her resignation on inconsistencies in the party regarding trans issues.
Ms Moynahan said: “I think it was absolutely the right decision. I mean it’s hate; transphobia is the same as racism and sexism, it is hate towards another group of people, which I find totally unacceptable. There’s no denying what she’s actually said and put on social media. What I’ve read, it’s out of order.”
Ms Teal, who was praised for her heroics during the 2017 Sheffield tree-felling protests, said: “Using the disciplinary process to manage differences of opinion rather than engage in discussion is troubling and disappointing.”
Eddie Izzard, who is transgender herself, is running for Sheffield Central’s Labour candidate, a role that has been assumed by MP Paul Blomfield for 12 years.
The comedian has long been an advocate for the rights of trans-people and would become second trans MP elected to parliament in Britain (after the Conservative’s Jamie Wallis) and the first in the Labour Party’s history.
It is unknown who is set to replace Ms Teal as the candidate elect for Sheffield Central.
The Green Party have yet to comment.
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