To compare MP Lloyd Russell-Moyle and other trans-inclusive men in the Labour movement to Andrew Tate – one of the most disgusting men on the internet, accused of rape and sex trafficking – is downright disturbing (“Forget Andrew Tate – what about the host of misogynists in Labour’s ranks?”, Comment). May I remind Catherine Bennett that there is a long and important tradition of the Commons being an adversarial institution. I might also remind her that this is an emotive issue for pro-trans politicians. For men like Russell-Moyle and Ben Bradshaw, the constant gaslighting and public hysteria must make this feel more like 1988 than 2023. Section 35 is the new section 28.
The reforms laid out in the Scottish reform bill do not go far enough, but would have been a start. The Tory torpedoing of Scotland’s legislation is nothing but a tragedy.
Alex Charilaou, Labour students trans officer and co-chair of Labour for Trans Rights
West Drayton, London
