A UK court has ruled that former deputy leader of the Green Party Dr Shahrar Ali was discriminated against due to his “gender critical beliefs”. Dr Ali launched legal action against the Green Party of England and Wales after being forced out of his position. The party has admitted “procedural shortfalls” in dismissing Dr Ali, and the Mayor’s and City County Court awarded £9,100 in damages to him. Dr Ali’s lawyers submitted papers claiming that Green Party officials “collaborated” to remove him from his post due to his beliefs, including the view that “biology is real and immutable”.
Following the ruling, Dr Ali called for the Equality and Human Rights Commission to investigate the Green Party’s handling of trans rights debates. He also called for an independent inquiry “into the hostile environment in political parties across the left”. Dr Ali stated that “the current Green Party of England and Wales is out of control”, but added that parties are still bound by the law when it comes to disciplining their representatives.
The party removed Dr Ali from his spokesperson role for policing and domestic safety in February 2022. In addition to awarding damages, the court dismissed all other charges. The case sets a precedent, marking the first legal action of its kind. The ruling highlights the tension within Green Party circles regarding gender ideology and the handling of dissent.
Dr Ali said that the judgement is a “landmark case”. He sees it as a victory for free speech and democratic debate. The case has wider implications, not only for the Green Party but for all political parties, particularly those on the left. The ruling may inspire more activists to challenge the stifling of dissent and the silencing of views deemed politically incorrect.
The Green Party has been grappling with conflicting views around gender and trans rights for some time. Dr Ali’s case has exposed the divisions and highlighted the need for better internal communication. It remains to be seen whether the Green Party will adopt a more open and tolerant approach to debate and dissent, or whether it will become more authoritarian in response
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