Green councillors accused of being 'intimidating and offensive' by holding up pro-trans placards

Green Councillors Accused of Intimidation Over Pro-Trans Placards

A conflict has reignited between Green councillors and women's rights activists during a City Hall council meeting, where Green councillors displayed pro-trans rights banners and Pride flags from their seats.

The tension followed a walkout by several Green party councillors in response to gender-critical activists speaking from the public gallery at a previous September meeting. On both occasions, Green councillors accused these activists of making transphobic and offensive remarks.

Meanwhile, the activists claimed the councillors’ placards were “intimidating and offensive” while they were speaking.

“Disgraceful coordinated behaviour by councillors in the @BristolCouncil chamber tonight, trying to intimidate and disrupt women asking legitimate questions from the public gallery.” — ShirleyBassey (@Shirleysvoice3), November 4, 2025

Background of the Dispute

The disagreement revolves around an April Supreme Court ruling stating that the word ‘woman’ in the Equality Act refers strictly to biological sex at birth, excluding transgender women.

Among the Greens at City Hall, at least two councillors identify as transgender, and a transgender woman sits on the opposition Labour benches.

“People with ovaries are women, people who give birth are women, people who need maternity services are women.” — Wendy Stephenson, public gallery attendee

Summary

This controversy highlights deep divisions over gender identity and biological definitions of womanhood within political and activist circles.

Author’s Summary

The dispute between Green councillors and women’s rights activists over transgender rights placards exposes ongoing tensions about gender identity and legal definitions of womanhood.

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Bristol24/7 Bristol24/7 — 2025-11-07

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