Michelle Donelan will raise the alarm at the Conservative Party conference. Photo: ANDY RAIN/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock/Shutterstock
The Science On Tuesday, the secretary of state will review the “utter nonsense” of government calls for collecting data on self-identified gender rather than biological sex.
Speaking at the Conservative Party conference, Michelle Donelan will sound the alarm about what she calls “the denial of biology and the steady rise of political correctness.”
Ms Donelan is moved to act on examples such as the National Health Service sometimes using a person's stated sex rather than their biological sex in data records.
The review will last six months and will be led by Professor Alice Sullivan, Research Director at the UCL Institute of Social Research.
The review will analyze research and statistics collected by all government bodies on issues sex and gender. with specific recommendations at the end.
«Complete nonsense»
Ms Donelan will say in her speech on Tuesday: “For those who think they have the right to impose this utter nonsense on science, let this message come from this conference room today… We defend scientific research against biology denial and the steady rise of political correctness «.
She will also say: «We oppose its complete stifling of British identity and values… That's why we are depoliticizing science, because science is the most extraordinary force for good — from curing disease to growing food — [and] we must continue to in the same vein.”
The intervention comes as the Conservative Party hardens its position on the importance of recognizing biological sex amid debates over transgender rights.
The issue is playing an increasingly prominent role in British politics discourse, with all parties facing pressure. to clarify how they will strike the right balance.
Gender Change
Rishi Sunak's government has long promised to publish guidance for schools on how they should act when pupils want to identify as a gender different from their child's. one is assigned at birth.
But ministers had to water down the proposals after they were warned they would require changes to the Equality Act to implement them.
Ms Donelan was appointed head of Mr Sunak's newly created Department of Science, Innovation and Technology back in February.
Elsewhere in her speech, Ms Donelan will say: “I think it matters when university bureaucrats tell scientists they can't ask legitimate research questions about biological sex.
“And I think that It matters when Scotland's chief statistician issues guidance saying sex data can only be collected in exceptional circumstances.
“And I think it makes a difference when the Office for National Statistics needs to be taken to the High Court because the census guidance says you can change your biological sex.”
“Gender and sex are two different things «
She adds: «I think it is significant that in 2021 Police Scotland have announced that a Male Rapist who identifies as a woman will be statistically recorded by the police as a female rapist.
“Any credible scientist will tell you that gender and sex are two different things… To argue otherwise is not only scientifically illiterate, but also damaging to scientific research and statistics in everything from demographic studies to medicine to sports.”
In 2005, the Athena Swan Charter was established to encourage women to advance their careers in higher education in fields such as science, engineering and mathematics.
It first tracked the gap between men and women in hiring and career advancement. But in 2016, Athena Swan recommended that data collection should be based on gender identity rather than sex.
The example was cited by figures close to Ms Donelan to highlight the changes she hopes will happen. will be able to solve this new review.
The exact changes that will be proposed and implemented will depend on what is recommended in the review.
'Great news'
Maya Forstater, executive director of gender critical group Sex Matters, said : : “This is great news, and not too soon, as a review is urgently needed.”
“Sorting out data on sex is at the heart of deciding how society protects everyone's rights when it comes to biological sex and gender. self-expression.
«This review should clarify where sex data should be complete, accurate and publicly available, and where information can remain confidential.
«Professor Alice Sullivan is an excellent candidate for the role review director following her tireless work on the need for clear data on gender in the census.»
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