Former Scottish First Minister Sturgeon Says Rapists Probably Forfeit Self-Identification Rights

Nicola Sturgeon, the former First Minister of Scotland, stated in a recent interview that individuals convicted of heinous male crimes against women, such as rapists, probably forfeit the right to self-identify as their preferred gender. This comment was made in reference to Isla Bryson, a transgender double rapist who was initially placed in a women's prison before being moved to a male facility, sparking public outrage and debate over Scotland's Gender Recognition Reform (GRR) Bill. Sturgeon acknowledged that Bryson is a biological male and admitted she should have been more straightforward in addressing the issue, also accepting partial responsibility for the loss of rationality in the gender recognition debate. The GRR Bill, which would have allowed self-identification of gender by declaration, was passed by the Scottish Parliament but blocked by the UK Government due to concerns about women's safety and the rights of sex offenders. The controversy surrounding Bryson's prison placement and the legislation has led to policy changes, including that transgender prisoners convicted of serious crimes are now placed according to their birth sex. Sturgeon's remarks highlight ongoing tensions between transgender rights advocacy and public safety concerns in Scotland.