Press For Change: News Update March 1995
March 1995
Press for Change is making progress.
We need your help.
1. A BILL OF RIGHTS
We now have a draft Bill of Rights which could be placed before the House of Commons relatively soon if we are lucky in the Private Members Ballot.
If this is to go through, it is important that MPs from both sides of the House understand the issues and are prepared to support it.
Copies of the draft Bill will shortly be circulated to all MPs.
2. PLEASE VISIT YOUR MP NOW!
Alex Carlile QC MP, who hopes to bring the Bill to the Commons on our behalf has asked that as many transsexuals and sympathisers as possible should visit their MPs now. Face to face interviews often create a stronger understanding of the issues and greater pressure for a positive response.
If you are unclear about the issues, please read the enclosed leaflet before you go, and leave a copy with your MP.
It would also be helpful if you would contact Press for Change and tell us the name of the MP you spoke with, and whether or not s/he promised support.
3. QUESTIONS FOR THE HOUSE
Alex Carlile plans from now on to ask at least one question per month in the House of Commons regarding transsexuals.
If you have any specific examples of injustice or ideas for questions, please explain them briefly (one side of A4 maximum) and forward to Press for Change. This is an opportunity to have our voices heard in Parliament.
4. A CASE FOR EUROPE: THE PRIVACY ISSUE
Press for Change with The National Council for Civil Liberties (Liberty), to which Press for Change is affiliated, plans to bring a group action to the European Court of Human Rights in the name of Press for Change.
The action will focus on the violation of the privacy of transsexuals which occurs regularly when we have formally to prove our identity. There are innumerable occasions on which transsexuals are forced inappropriately to reveal their gender reassignment in the course of proving ID e.g. when applying for mortgages, all types of insurance, or pensions; when standing bail for someone; when showing educational certificates; when in receipt of welfare benefits etc. etc….the list is endless.
Individuals will not be named in court, but will be referred to by a code letter or number, so there is no risk of publicity.
We need as many examples as possible of violations of privacy which have taken place roughly within the last six months. Also examples where you would have done something (e.g. applied for a mortgage), but did not do so because you were aware that your privacy would be violated if you did.
If we can bring a group action on behalf of 50 or 100 people, this will have an enormous impact, not only for this case, but for the other three cases currently going before the European Courts.
If you would be willing to participate, please make a note of any incidents you can think of, or even “set yourself up” for one of the examples mentioned. A Pro Forma on which to state your case(s) will be sent to you shortly.
