RMT LGBT+ CONFERENCE SOLIDARITY CALL

RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: june 2023 :: RMTnews 18 RMT members from the LGBT+ community expressed strong support for transgender people and young people struggling with their gender identity at the advisory conference in Perth, Scotland. Around 30 delegates took part in the event which included debating motions, speakers from local campaign groups and charities. Unanimously backing a solidarity call to LGBT+ people in the United States, Simon Gilson from Euro Passenger Services branch moved a motion, stating: "528 anti- trans bills have been proposed across 49 states in the USA; 50 of these bills have already been passed. “Consequences of these bills are as far reaching as barring transgender people from serving in the armed forces or removing gender- affirming care. “In the case of Oklahoma bill OK SB129, doctors could lose their licence for simply referring someone under 26 years of age for gender- affirming care." Mr Gilson also urged the RMT to raise the issue with the union's parliamentary group as policies such as these will come to Britain "sooner rather than later." He added: "We will continue the fight against all and any attempts by this government, or any that follows, to restrict the rights and freedoms of not just our trans consociates, but all of the LGBTQ+ community.” Delegates also expressed concern at government proposals to "introduce guidance for schools that will require them to tell parents if their children are trans, non- binary or gender non- conforming." The unanimously backed motion, moved by Bakerloo Line delegate Georgie Duane read: “This union notes that the government has signalled its intention to introduce guidance for schools that will require them to tell parents if their children are trans, non- binary or gender non- conforming. "This union believes that this is a gross infringement of the rights of young people, and will make trans, binary and gender non-conforming kids vulnerable to rejection, stigma and pressure to remain in the closet. "This union resolves to oppose this guidance and instead to support alternative guidance that protects the right of schoolchildren to explore their gender identity. “We resolve to work with the LGBT+ sections of school workers' unions - primarily the National Education Union - on this issue.” Other motions relating to support for the Scottish Gender Recognition Bill and people taking HIV medication were also passed unanimously by conference. Earlier during conference, Co-founder, and Director of Time for Inclusive Education, (Tie), Jordan Daly gave a powerful address on the need for greater understanding of LGBT+ issues in Scottish schools. RMT LGBT+ CONFERENCE SOLIDARITY CALL