The trans-rights activist who glued themself to the Oxford Union’s floor has said they “did not expect” the story to “blow up as much as it has”.
Feminist Kathleen Stock’s talk at the University of Oxford debating society, the Oxford Union, was dramatically interrupted yesterday when two activists started chanting and Riz Possnett, a well-known trans activist, glued themself to the floor.
Professor Stock left her role at the University of Sussex in 2021 after the publication of her book Material Girls led to an angry reaction from students.
READ MORE: Oxford Union trans rights talk interrupted by protester
Possnett, who is also an anti-monarchy activist, has appeared on Piers Morgan’s Talk TV show Uncensored before and four police officers took around 10 minutes to remove them from the debating chamber.
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Speaking exclusively to the Oxford Mail, Possnett said: “I knew my actions would be news, but I didn’t expect it to blow up as much as it has.
“My goal was simply to ensure anyone who heard Prof Stock’s arguments also considered the consequences of those views for trans people, and particularly trans youth.”
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Students watching the stunt unfold were told off for taking photos and videos, as the debating society’s rules do not permit this.
Oxford Union president Matthew Dick and Prof Stock were forced to wait until the police arrived and had removed Possnett from the chamber.
Possnett said: “I achieved that goal, but naturally a lot of the audience were angry, as are the hundreds of people harassing me online.
“My hope is that the news will not focus too much on me or my action, but rather on the message that trans people, including trans youth, deserve dignity, security, and joy."
Before the event took place, prime minister Rishi Sunak intervened and called for the University of Oxford to not allow a "small but vocal few to shut down discussion".
He said: “Kathleen Stock’s invitation to the Oxford Union should stand.
“Agree or disagree with her, professor Stock is an important figure in this argument.
"Students should be allowed to hear and debate her views."
He added: “A tolerant society is one which allows us to understand those we disagree with, and nowhere is that more important than within our great universities.”
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A Thames Valley Police spokesman said: “A 20-year-old from Bury St Edmunds was arrested on suspicion of criminal damage in relation to an incident at the Oxford Union in Oxford yesterday.
“They have since been de-arrested.”
Representatives of Kathleen Stock have been approached for comment.
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