New sex-based rights guidance on way, says Swinney

New sex-based rights guidance on way, says Swinney

Following the recent Supreme Court ruling on sex-based rights, John Swinney, a prominent figure in the Scottish government, announced that they will be releasing “timely guidance” on the issue of single-sex spaces. This decision comes after the Supreme Court clarified that biological sex is the defining factor for a woman according to the Equality Act. Despite this, a meeting between Scottish ministers and the Equalities and Human Rights Commission to develop new guidance has been postponed. Russell Findlay, the Scottish Tory leader, called on the first minister to put an end to divisive gender politics in light of the court ruling.

The landmark ruling by the UK’s highest court has significant implications for single-sex spaces and services like public toilets and changing rooms. Transgender women with a gender recognition certificate (GRC) may now be excluded from women’s single-sex spaces if deemed “proportionate.” Previously, the Scottish government had argued that individuals with a GRC should receive the same sex-based protections as biological women. During a session of First Minister’s Questions, John Swinney emphasized the government’s commitment to studying the Supreme Court judgment and seeking advice from the Equalities and Human Rights Commission.

Over the weekend, protests erupted in Edinburgh and across Scotland in response to the Supreme Court ruling, drawing attention to the disappointment felt by supporters of trans rights. Swinney acknowledged the uncertainty and anxiety among the trans community regarding the court’s decision. In the midst of these developments, Russell Findlay highlighted the importance of biological truth prevailing and questioned whether John Swinney would issue an apology to the women of Scotland. Swinney reiterated the Scottish government’s acceptance of the Supreme Court’s ruling and its definition of a woman under the Equality Act. Former Conservative leader Douglas Ross directly asked Swinney if he believed that trans women are women, to which the first minister reiterated the court’s ruling on the matter

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