‘Witch Hunt’ into equalities chair halted after integrity concerns

News

It seems that those who hold to traditional views, such as the biological reality of male and female, are increasingly having accusations made against them simply because of the views they hold.

Unevidenced accusations using imprecise terms such as ‘bullying’ and ‘discrimination’ can be used to silence dissenting voices. Trial by media often leads to the accused being declared ‘guilty’ without their version of events being heard.

A case in point is Baroness Falkner, Chair of the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC). Complainants listed 40 charges against her, ranging from “discrimination” to “bullying” and “lack of psychological safety”. The accusations coincided with the EHRC’s recommendation that the Government should define “sex” in the 2010 Equality Act as biological sex. One example given of Lady Falkner’s behaviour was her allegedly referring to a transgender quiz contestant as a “bloke in lipstick”, which her defenders say was taken out of context.

The EHRC has paused its investigation (£) into Baroness Falkner after concerns were raised about the “integrity” of the process. Lead investigator Gavin Mansfield KC is seeking legal advice on the impact of the complaints being leaked.

Lady Falkner’s allies, who include 54 cross-party Peers (£), have said the allegations are a witch hunt, headed by an “elite” group of politically motivated individuals. They claim that a “small number” of people (£), mainly “young, liberal civil servants”, are upset that the EHRC is “moving away from being a voice for activists, towards being a proper, grown up, professional regulator”.

At C4M, as we fight for man-woman marriage, a view once considered mainstream but now opposed by the liberal media, we must be aware of the tactics used to dismiss and silence opponents. We are thankful that the investigation is being paused for consideration, and we continue to support those who stand up for biological reality.