US: Chicago Sun-Times removes article claiming Laverne Cox is ‘not a woman’
The Chicago Sun-Times has removed an article claiming that transgender actress Laverne Cox is “not a woman”, and issued an apology for the “oversight”.
The newspaper had yesterday reprinted the article, which appeared originally in the National Review.
The article had claimed: “Regardless of the question of whether he has had his genitals amputated, Cox is not a woman, but an effigy of a woman.
“The offer to amputate healthy organs in the service of a delusional tendency is the moral equivalent of meeting a man who believes he is Jesus and inquiring as to whether his insurance plan covers crucifixion.”
The Editorial Page Editor of the Sun-Times Tom McNamee said in a statement: “We try to present a range of views on an issue, not only those views we may agree with, but also those we don’t agree with.
“A recent op-ed piece we ran online that was produced by another publication initially struck as provocative.
“Upon further consideration, we concluded the essay did not include some key facts and its overall tone was not consistent with what we seek to publish.
“The column failed to acknowledge that the American Medical Association and the American Psychological Association have deemed transgender-related care medically necessary for transgender people.
“It failed as well to acknowledge the real and undeniable pain and discrimination felt by transgender people, who suffer from notably higher rates of depression and suicide.
“We have taken the post down and we apologize for the oversight.”
Despite being removed from the Sun-Times, it is still online on the National Review website, and the article’s author Kevin D Williamson is yet to apologise.
GLAAD said in a statement it is “continuing to work with Chicago-based transgender leaders on additional responses”.
Trans advocate Jen Richards wrote earlier for the Daily Dot: “The National Review, Chicago Sun-Times and all those who would echo sentiments similar to Williamson would be wise to consider which side of history the ignorant, arrogant, and cruel typically fall on.
“You may sell a few more papers in the short term, but the real cost is greater.”
Cox, best known for her role in Netflix drama Orange is the New Black, featured on the cover of TIME magazine last week.
