Green politician quits party to 'protect free speech'

"I've taken this step because I feel that I need to protect free speech."

"I don't in any way diminish or deny transgender identities," she said, "I think that transgender people should live open and dignified lives. But I also believe that people with gender-critical views should be able to come to the council chamber and make their points. Both rights exist and they should be able to coexist."

"As an elected representative, you need to be resilient, there needs to be a certain amount of stoicism, you need to listen to everybody,"

Councillor Paula O'Rourke resigned from the Green Party after other Green councillors walked out of Bristol City Council meetings where women's rights campaigners raised concerns about single-sex toilets and maternity unit language. She said she stepped down to protect free speech and argued that walkouts undermined the democratic process, leaving Bristolians without being listened to by elected members. She described the walkouts as intimidating for members of the public and said elected representatives must listen to everyone. She affirmed support for transgender people's dignity while defending the right of gender-critical voices to speak. She will serve as an independent councillor.

Read at www.bbc.com