Scotland’s First Minister, John Swinney, has stated that the recent Supreme Court decision regarding the legal definition of a woman will likely lead to feelings of “uncertainty and anxiety” among trans individuals.
His remarks came amidst protests in cities like London, Glasgow, and Edinburgh against the ruling, which determines that biological sex is the defining factor of a woman under the Equality Act.
While Swinney did not specify his personal beliefs about whether a trans woman qualifies as a woman, he acknowledged the court’s ruling.
As a result of the judgment, transgender women who possess a gender recognition certificate may be barred from certain single-sex spaces if deemed “proportionate”.
The case was initiated by For Women Scotland, a group asserting that sex-based protections should exclusively be granted to individuals who are biologically female.
The Scottish government contended in court that transgender individuals with a gender recognition certificate should enjoy the same sex-based protections as biologically female individuals.
Unanimously, the judges concluded that the terms “woman” and “sex” in the 2010 Equality Act refer specifically to biological females and biological sex, not “certificated sex”.
EPA
On Saturday, large-scale protests occurred in Glasgow’s George Square and at the foot of the Mound in Edinburgh against the ruling.
Additionally, thousands marched in central London, referred to as an “emergency demonstration,” which started at Parliament Square before heading to St James’s Park.
Activists emphasized themes of “trans liberation” and “trans rights now,” with attendees displaying flags and banners stating “No feminism without trans women” and “Biology is not binary”.
The Metropolitan Police are investigating damage caused to seven statues in Parliament Square, which were defaced with graffiti during the protest.
Swinney mentioned to BBC Scotland News that his government would “accept and adjust to the circumstances” following the ruling.
He stated, “It’s essential to acknowledge the rule of law, and I accept the Supreme Court decision as it represents the view of our highest court.”
He added that the government is committed to protecting the rights of everyone involved, acknowledging that many in the trans community might feel particularly uncertain and anxious in light of the Supreme Court’s decision.
