Call to show respect after trans row at city council

CONSERVATIVES are calling for respect and courtesy at Bristol City Council meetings after some members of the ruling Green group walked out and held up pro-trans placards in protest at gender-critical statements from the public gallery.

- ADAM POSTANS Local Democracy Reporter

Green councillors holding pro-trans placards at Bristol City Council meeting last month

(Bristol Green Party)

The last two meetings of full council have seen angry exchanges between women's rights campaigners and leaders of the Greens.

In September, several councillors walked out of the chamber after finding the public comments “offensive”, while last month they held up placards and Pride flags as the speakers gave their views opposing the local authority's transgender policies, an act branded as “intimidating”.

The feud led to former Green group leader Cllr Paula O'Rourke resigning from the party, saying she could no longer support her colleagues.

She said at the time: “Such behaviour is not harmless. Walking out is a refusal of democratic duty.

“Holding placards in the face of members of the public is intimidating.