3 of 7 resolutions down in the Society of Authors AGM.
6 and 7 are the big ones. 7 will be discussed first. Together they would remove a trans ally from Chair and dedicate the union to the defence of transphobic authors.
Neither can be allowed to pass without toxic consequences
Resolution 4 passed.
Resolution 7 is currently being discussed (6 will be last). This is the "free speech" motion where the authors promoting the myth of "cancel culture" demand that they be protected from any and all criticism or challenge for promoting bigotry and hate.
This is a motion in which a group of hugely privileged authors, many wealthy and settled, demand that they are the victims of younger & more marginalised people who they threatened by promoting lies, prejudice and conspiracies at their expense.
It deserves to be utterly rejected
Resolution 6 now being debated - to remove @joannechocolat as Chair of the Management Committee
This was brought by the same transphobes collective as Resolution 7, and is intended to remove a staunch trans ally from the top of SoA and as a warning to other allies to back down
If this motion passes it would have a chilling effect on literature leaders sticking their necks out for trans people, and other marginalised communities, as those who would target them with hate do so unchallenged.
So much for "freedom of speech". One rule for them...
Resolution 7 falls by 593 to 161.
A major victory for the Society of Authors and progressives in the arts, as an attempt to force the union to act as a defence club for hate preachers collapses.
Over a 70% majority voting it down. Huge win.
Resolution 6 falls 608 to 143, an even more dominant result and a huge vote of confidence in @[email protected] as chair of @[email protected]
The attempt to depose her for her trans allyship, and silence allies in literature by that example, has failed. Another big win here in the UK
For those wanting the numbers - That's an over 76% majority in opposition to this motion to depose Harris.
That's the kind of numbers you want and need to build unity in this kind of organisation. No question where the majority lies. Full endorsement of LGBT+ allyship.
Apologies, I got my maths wrong (good thing I'm a writer not a scientist!) -
Motion 7 was defeated with a 79% majority.
Motion 6 was defeated with a 81% majority.
An even more significant and comprehensive defeat of these horrendous resolutions than my bad maths suggested!
Tristan
Hope 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️🏴 SNP
Finn