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Outraged students at the University of Cardiff are trying to ban Germaine Greer from giving a lecture because they claim she “discriminates against the transgender community.”

The 76-year-old author of The Female Eunuch is scheduled to give a lecture entitled “Women & Power: The Lessons of the 20th century” on November 18.

A petition calling for the lecture to be cancelled has reached just over 100 of 200 signatures with many students and residents of Cardiff writing to the university to express their “disgust” at her upcoming talk.

'It is unacceptable'

Payton Quinn, a stand-up comic who refuses to be describes as a 'him' or a 'her' and describes themself as gender fluid, said: “I’ve signed the petition because, while I acknowledge that Germaine Greer has been a great advocate for women’s rights in the past and that she has helped feminism progress, she has always expressed extremely transphobic attitudes.

“For example, when she was a fellow at Cambridge, she opposed the admittance of a transgender colleague to her women’s college because they had originally been born a man, which is just unacceptable.”

Greer has long been criticised for a passage in her book, the Whole Woman, which she describes trans women as men “who believe they are women and have them castrated”.

Related: 'I'm trans and happy,' says most senior transgender officer in the British Army on her decision to become a woman

Payton continued: “Only recently, Greer said that she doesn’t believe transphobia even exists and I find it incredibly shocking that the University of Cardiff would allow her to host a lecture even though it is ranked highest on the Stonewall Gay Degree table for the second year running.

“Don’t they have any respect?”

When Payton tried to get in contact with Alison Preece, Cardiff University’s Equality and Diversity Officer, however, she received this response:

“Dear Payton,

Thank you for your email. It is receiving attention.”

Ms Preece is now reportedly “out of office.”

Related: Miss Transgender UK hopefuls get themselves catwalk ready at Cardiff bootcamp

The Change petition, originally penned by the University’s Women’s Officer, Rachael Melhuish, is firmly in agreement with Payton in saying that Greer’s views have “no place in feminism.”

The petition says: “Greer has demonstrated time and time again her misogynistic views towards trans women, including continually misgendering trans women and denying the existence of transphobia altogether.

“Trans-exclusionary views should have no place in feminism or society.

“Such attitudes contribute to the high levels of stigma, hatred and violence towards trans people - particularly trans women - both in the UK and across the world.”

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Comments on the petition include:

Jack Pickering: “Germaine Greer does not accept the existence of trans women as legitimate. This is not acceptable for many reasons, most especially because of trans women’s subjection to widespread violence.”

Claire Wisener: “As a recent graduate of Cardiff University, this makes me sick to my stomach.”

Clint Bunger: “Everyone has the right to be recognised and accepted for who they are.”

Cardiff University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Colin Riordan said: “We are committed to freedom of speech and open debate.

“Our events include speakers with a range of views, all of which are rigorously challenged and debated. This event will be no different.

“Our commitment to our LGBT+ students and staff members is unwavering and we fully recognise the tremendous benefits having such a diverse community brings to Cardiff University.

“At Cardiff University we work hard to provide a positive and welcoming space for LGBT+ people and we are in consultation with student and staff groups to ensure that the views of LGBT+ people are represented at our events.

“We in no way condone discriminatory comments of any kind.”