Maternity Bill: Victory as House of Lords changes 'person' to 'mother' in new law

Maternity Bill: Victory as House of Lords changes 'person' to 'mother' in new law

Cross-bench coalition fights off radical transgender efforts to have pregnant women described as 'persons' in law

https://www.electoral-reform.org.uk/...of-lords-1.jpg

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Sun

MINISTERS have changed “person” to “mother” in the new maternity rights Bill after a backlash from peers and MPs.

A furious row had erupted over whether to keep the words woman or female in the text.

It had read “the person is pregnant” and “the person has given birth to a child” — but this will now be altered.

The Government accepted an amendment from Lord Lucas to try to see off a rebellion in the Lords last night.

A coalition of Labour, Tory and crossbench peers had joined forces to oppose the move.

Hey @tomhfh this might come as a surprise to you but trans men can only give birth BECAUSE they're biologically WOMEN. And, unless you boys plan on squeezing a baby out of your penis anytime soon, that's how it's gonna stay... https://t.co/mQ6Bqgminy
— Julia Hartley-Brewer (@JuliaHB1) February 25, 2021

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Sun

Lord Lucas said: “Words matter, especially on the long road to equality.

“The use of the word ‘person’ in the Bill erases the reality that, overwhelmingly, maternity is undertaken by women and not by men.

“To leave 'person' in place would be a step backwards in women's equality."

Tory Baroness Noakes, one of the main critics of the earlier wording of the legislation, hailed the change as a “great day for women".

Lord True said the Government had listened to the strength of feeling in the House and accepted the amended wording would be “legally acceptable".

A victory for common sense although it is staggering that we even need to fight to recognise that fact that only women can give birth.

With ministers accepting the amendment, the bill will now go back to the House of Commons as amended and sail through to Royal Assent.

Thoughts?