Fergus Murray
@oolong.co.uk
8.6K followers 6.7K following 13K posts
Monotropic writer, science tutor, Autistic community organiser and independent researcher. Based in Edinburgh. they/them. linktr.ee/0olong
Monotropic writer, science tutor, Autistic community organiser and independent researcher. Based in Edinburgh. they/them. linktr.ee/0olong
![Tomorrow, Green Party conference is due to debate a motion entitled 'Zionism is Racism'. I know this is a motion that has stirred really strong feelings for many members of our party.
As a party and as parliamentarians, we stand opposed to racism in all its forms. We have always been united in standing up for Palestinians and other oppressed peoples, in calling out the genocide in Gaza and other human rights violations in Israel and the occupied territories, in opposing the Israeli government's crimes of apartheid, calling for sanctions, boycotts and divestment, and much more beyond. I do not believe, though, that passing this motion would move us forward in this work. In fact, I worry that it could set us back. As such, I cannot support it as it has been written.
I am particularly concerned by the suggestion in this motion that the Green Party makes an explicit commitment to a particular constitutional outcome for the region. Our party has a long-standing commitment to the fundamental right to self-determination and therefore supports the right of Palestinians and Israelis to determine their own future. As a Green Parliamentarian I want to continue to push the government to advocate for the right to self-determination on the international stage. And while this motion focuses on Palestinian rights and doesn't change the party's policies outlining our more universal commitment, I am worried that this vital work will be undermined if the Green Party adopts a position in support of one particular outcome.
Further, I do not think that trying to pin down a definition for something that has been a point of contention among scholars for decades helps us in our efforts to support the people of Palestine or end the genocide.
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