Trans rights activists are staging a counter-protest against a rally taking place in College Green this afternoon (Sunday June 19).
A group called Standing For Women are organizing a protest in Bristol city center which started at 1pm. But they were branded ‘transphobic’ by a group called Bristol Against Hate, who staged a counter-protest from 12pm at the same location.
In a statement that was widely shared on social media, Bristol Against Hate wrote: “Right-wing agitators intend to organize a transphobic rally. We are clear: trans rights are human rights and these rights will be defended.”
Read more: Bristol Against Hate plans counter-protest against Standing for Women rally
Representing Women’s founder Kellie-Jay Keen – who also goes by the name Posie Parker – said she doesn’t believe trans women are women and shouldn’t be recognized as women by law. During a 2018 appearance on ITV This Morning, she said: ‘I really don’t think you can change genders in a meaningful way.
Parker shared Bristol Against Hate’s statement on her Instagram page which has over 15,000 followers, with the caption: “This is why women need to come to Bristol.” Bristol Live approached the group for a comment.
Protesters clashed on College Green, chanting and holding banners, and although there were boos and tension it has remained peaceful so far. There is a police presence and our reporter at the scene estimates there are around 60 Standing for Women representatives and around 100 representatives supporting the trans community.
This is a live blog, scroll down for updates
