We are disappointed by the recent joint statement released by the Communist Party of Britain (CPB) and the Young Communist League (YCL) regarding the recent anti-trans decision of the UK Supreme Court.
This statement aligned with the attitude of Britain’s right-wing politicians and press in celebrating the decision. Their empty description of the outcome as “materialist” and their claim that they call to “improve resourcing” for trans people in healthcare fails to hide the conservative beliefs underpinning their response. Their rejection of “any notion that the Supreme Court ruling was influenced by, or issued as a result of, a transphobic political climate” runs up against the reality that no aspect of the state can isolate itself from the political context in which it exists. The decision to commend For Women Scotland, an openly transphobic organisation, is particularly repugnant.
This is a clear example of the CPB/YCL siding with the reactionary sections of the political establishment in order to appeal to conservatives. As socialists, we mustn’t adopt reactionary positions in order to win over those who are opposed to our program. Instead, we must be certain in our belief in social progress and attempt to convince those who hold misguided views towards the LGBTQ+ community.
We strongly urge the many members of the CPB and YCL who respect our trans comrades to reconsider their involvement in these organisations. There is nothing to be gained for socialists by aligning ourselves with conservative forces in our society besides alienating comrades and those who could be won over to the cause of socialism. The SSY proudly stands in solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community, and will always recognise social liberation as a core part of the struggle for socialism.
Featured Image Credit: Socttish Socialist Youth
