Rishi Sunak brands David Tennant ‘the problem’ in trans rights row with Kemi Badenoch
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Rishi Sunak has gotten involved in a growing dispute between Kemi Badenoch and David Tennant regarding LGBTQ+ rights, seemingly labeling the actor as the source of the issue.
The actor from Doctor Who expressed his desire for the women and equalities minister to stop talking and implied he wanted a world where she wasn't present anymore. In response, she called him a bigot.
The prime minister chimed in on the argument on Wednesday morning, posting on X, previously known as Twitter: "The ability to express oneself freely is a crucial aspect of our democracy. If you're advocating for women to be silent and hoping they are non-existent, then you are part of the issue."
The Tory election pledge is to add biological sex as a protected characteristic in the Equality Act, with the backing of the women and equalities minister. Currently, the Act only protects gender reassignment.
Ms Badenoch promised to keep expressing her opinions and criticized Mr Tennant for being a wealthy, liberal, white male celebrity who is too focused on his own beliefs. She made these comments in a post on X on Tuesday after he made negative comments about her at the British LGBT Awards on Friday.
Home Secretary James Cleverly also joined in the argument, demanding that Mr. Tennant apologize for his comments. He wrote on X: "I don't think David realizes the hypocrisy of trying to silence the voice of the highest-ranking Black female politician in UK history in the name of 'defending' a minority community."
Mr Tennant, who was awarded Celebrity Ally at the event, was met with enthusiastic approval and applause when he expressed his desire for the Conservative Cabinet minister to stop talking rather than wishing any harm upon her.
Ms Badenoch responded by stating that she will not be quiet or suppressed. She expressed that she will not allow herself to be silenced by men who value recognition from Stonewall more than the protection of women and girls.
A wealthy, progressive, Caucasian male celebrity who is so strongly influenced by his beliefs that he is unable to recognize the negative perception of criticizing the only African American woman in a position of power by openly declaring that she should no longer exist.
David Tennant is a popular celebrity who supports the Labour party. His endorsement provides a glimpse into the potential future if the party emerges victorious.
Keir Starmer did not defend Rosie Duffield when she was attacked. He and his followers will likely act the same way towards the nation.
"Do not allow the intolerant and harassers to succeed."
According to the British LGBT Awards, Mr Tennant is a strong advocate and supporter of the LGBTQ+ community. He frequently wears pins related to the community during red-carpet interviews, including a Doctor Who-themed Tardis badge designed in the colors of the Trans Pride flag. This particular badge has helped raise thousands of pounds for charities.
In his acceptance speech, he expressed disappointment that recognizing everyone's right to be themselves and live freely should require special recognition. He believes that treating others with respect should be a given, as it is simply common sense.
It's basic human kindness. We should not have to point out how important it is to show compassion towards others in this world.
But as long as Kemi Badenoch continues to be a part of this world, I hope she stops speaking. I don't want anything bad to happen to her, I just want her to be quiet. Despite this, I am grateful to receive this recognition.
I am so excited to be here and be a part of this evening. Pride is a significant value in our family, we are all invested in it, so being a part of this event tonight excites me.
This fills me with hope, ignites my passion, fuels me with energy and profound happiness. Even though I may not feel worthy, I am grateful and honored to receive it.
Mr. Tennant received an award along with Soft Cell's Marc Almond, who was honored with the Lifetime Achievement prize. Other winners included Bruno Tonioli from Strictly Come Dancing (Broadcaster, Journalist or Host), Rylan Clark (LGBT+ Celebrity), Charlie Craggs who is a trans campaigner (Online Influencer), and former England forward Lianne Sanderson (Sports Personality).
While campaigning for the general election, Ms Badenoch has been representing the Conservative Party's promise to define "sex" as biological sex in the Equalities Act. She detailed this pledge in The Times, explaining that their proposed law would make it so the Gender Recognition Act's recognition of legal sex would no longer apply for the Equality Act.
The Gender Recognition Act is the legislation that oversees the process of obtaining gender recognition certificates. These certificates allow individuals who have undergone a gender transition to receive a new birth certificate that accurately reflects their chosen gender.
Rosie Duffield, who was elected as a Labour MP in 2015, decided to step down due to the ongoing harassment, malicious comments, and distortion of facts by certain individuals. This negative behavior has been escalating over the years and intensified during the recent election campaign.
Ms Duffield has stated that she holds views that support equality between men and women, and that she believes those who are biologically male should not be counted in statistics of women who have been killed.
In June, Daisy Cooper, the deputy leader of the Liberal Democrats, criticized the Conservatives for attempting to divert attention from their failures by creating fake tensions through their proposals.
The Labour shadow education secretary, Bridget Phillipson, has previously advised political parties to avoid turning the issue of trans guidance in schools into a political argument. This was mentioned during her appearance on the BBC show Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg.
