Persists in Refusing Apology for SNP's Gender Fiasco; Swinney Offers 'Automatic' Responses at Holyrood Assembly
Swinney Stands Firm After Slam for Gender Row
Scotland's First Minister, John Swinney, braces for criticism after refusing to apologize for the SNP's contentious gender policies
John Swinney found himself in the hot seat as the Scottish Tory leader, Russell Findlay, branded him "truly pathetic" for his unwillingness to apologize for the SNP's mishandling of gender issues. Despite the Supreme Court's ruling that biological sex is vital under UK law, Swinney remained firm in his refusal to admit wrongdoing.
Findlay was outspoken in his disapproval, stating, "It's truly pathetic that John Swinney is so defiantly determined not to do the right thing and apologize to the women of Scotland." He went on to criticize the SNP for putting their ideological beliefs above the truth and women's rights.
The landmark Supreme Court judgment concluded that biological males who identify as women can be excluded from women-only spaces if such exclusion is deemed proportionate. The SNP Government, led by Nicola Sturgeon, Humza Yousaf, and eventually John Swinney, had maintained that male-born trans women with the correct paperwork were legally identical to biological women and should have the same rights. This stance was roundly rejected by the Supreme Court as "unworkable."
Despite the judgment, Swinney has remained steadfast, giving a series of "robotic" refusals to admit wrongdoing at the Scottish Parliament. In response to Findlay's demands for an apology, Swinney maintained his government had accepted the Court's ruling and remained committed to protecting the rights of all citizens.
Findlay was unimpressed, stating, "We know why [Swinney] is reluctant to apologize: he is not sorry." He claimed that the SNP had refused to listen to calls to drop their divisive agenda and that the public was turning against the party due to their obsession with gender issues.
Accusations of wasted government time and neglected public services followed as Findlay pressed Swinney to ensure male prisoners served their sentences in male prisons. Swinney responded that he expected all public bodies to operate within the law, and that his government would work with the EHRC to create new guidance for them.
However, despite demands to address the impact on women who suffered amidst the SNP's gender politics, Swinney remained resolute in his refusal to apologize, instead offering "comprehensive" responses that critics deemed "boilerplate." His official spokesperson confirmed that he had no intention of offering an apology.
Critics assailed Swinney's stance, with Marion Calder of For Women Scotland remarking, "An apology would have been appreciated but it is clearly not to be." Meanwhile, the EHRC postponed a planned meeting with Scottish ministers to speak to UK ministers about the issue first.
It remains to be seen whether Swinney's continued refusal to apologize will further strain the SNP's relations with the public and the opposition, or whether the party can find a way to move forward in the face of mounting criticism.
[1] Source: The Times, "Supreme Court confirms that law is based on biological sex, not gender choice," link
[2] Source: The Scotsman, "SNP faces backlash over trans policies after Supreme Court judgment," link
[3] Source: The Herald, "John Swinney defends SNP's stance on transgender rights amid pressure for apology," link
[4] Source: The National, "SNP 'sincerely regret' any confusion caused by gender recognition policy statements," link
[5] Source: BBC News, "Scotland drops plans for self-ID gender reform," link
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