[Lauchenoiria]

Lauchenoirian Guardian

Online outrage following comments from Paul Doberman about women
22nd July 2020

There has been outrage on social media following comments from controversial far-right leader of Lauchenoiria First, Paul Doberman. On Monday evening, Doberman posted comments in a thread discussing legislation recognising gender non-binary people claiming that women are only women if they ‘have given birth’. The comments sparked outrage from both trans rights groups and groups supporting those with low or no fertility.

The Transgender and Non-Binary Recognition Bill, which is presently being debated by the Federal Parliament, will streamline the process for transgender people to change their legally recognised gender, and will also create a third gender category for non-binary individuals in Lauchenoirian law. Recognition of non-binary people has long been campaigned for by trans rights groups.

On social media, trans rights campaigners commented on a post by Doberman opposing the bill, beginning an online debate with the far-right politician on the topic. In the course of the debate, Doberman responded to one individual saying: “trans women aren’t women. Women are only those who have given birth, who know what it is like to carry life within them. If you can’t do that, you’re not a woman.”

Numerous groups responded to the post, including both trans rights groups and fertility campaign groups and clinics, with the Buttercity Fertility Clinic’s official account posting: “Some cis women cannot have children. Some choose not to. Some trans men and non-binary people give birth. Whether or not you have children, or plan to, does not determine your gender.”

The official social media account for the Kerlian Embassy in Lauchenoiria also posted, to many people’s surprise given the Matriarchy’s lack of recognition for trans people. They posted without replying directly: “Women across the IDU are united against this kind of blatant misogyny from people like Paul Doberman. Women are not walking wombs, placed on this planet only to be fertilised by men. #ThisIsWhyWeNeedFeminism.”

The bill is being debated throughout this week, and Parliament will vote on it on Friday, with it expected to pass with a clear majority. Despite opposition from the Conservative Party and Lauchenoiria First, most other parties are in favour of the bill, including the Feminist Party which has rumours of Kerlian funding. The Communist Party has refrained from taking an official position, with representatives expected to be allowed to vote freely.