SNP MSP Calls for Apologies from Swinney, Sturgeon Over Gender Self-ID Controversy

SNP MSP Michelle Thomson has called on First Minister John Swinney, former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, and Labour leader Keir Starmer to apologize to both women and transgender people following a UK Supreme Court ruling that clarified single-sex spaces should be reserved for biological women. Thomson argued that previous policies supporting gender self-identification misled transgender individuals into believing they had rights not supported by law, and contributed to confusion and anxiety among affected groups. The ruling, reinforced by interim guidance from the Equality and Human Rights Commission, has prompted criticism that public bodies and politicians failed to provide clear, legally sound policies. Thomson emphasized the need for current leadership to clearly communicate and enforce adherence to the Supreme Court decision, warning organizations of the legal consequences for non-compliance. The situation has sparked protests from the trans community, while some SNP figures, including Thomson, have voiced concern over the impact on both women’s rights and the wellbeing of transgender people. This internal SNP dissent marks a significant demand for accountability over the party’s handling of gender self-ID legislation.