The first minister became the last politician to express a reluctance to explain what she thinks a woman is, arguing that “oversimplifying” the trans rights debate would cause trouble for a vulnerable group. Some trans activists argue that a trans woman is literally a woman, regardless of their biological sex. In an interview with the Times ahead of Thursday’s local election, where the SNP plans to allow Scots to change their legal gender simply by making a statement to become a threshold issue, Ms Sturgeon declined to give a definition. Asked to define the word woman, he said: “I will not do it. I’re just not going to get into this discussion on a level that concerns simplistic and noisy titles. “ He added: “Trans people are one of the most likely minorities to be stigmatized and discriminated against in our society. “And every time we simplify this discussion, trans people really suffer. “And I think it’s important, it’s such a small minority, that we take the issues of protecting and strengthening the rights of trans people really seriously.” Her comments came weeks after Labor leader Sir Keir Starmer struggled to say whether he believed a woman could have a penis. Boris Johnson said the “basics of biology” were “overwhelmingly important” in distinguishing between a man and a woman.
The Prime Minister promises to fight “until my dying breath”
Mrs Sturgeon’s reforms at Holyrood will allow Scots to change their legal gender by signing a statement, removing the need for a medical diagnosis or doctor’s approval. Many women’s grassroots groups have been set up to fight change, arguing that they endanger women’s safety and rights in areas such as sports and the workplace. However, the Prime Minister said that she would argue “until my breath” that there is no conflict between women’s rights and trans people. Susan Smith, director of the For Women Scotland campaign, said Sturgeon’s refusal to nominate women was “depressing, but not unexpected”.
Feminist reaction to the SNP proposals
Ms Smith accused her of rejecting legitimate concerns about her plans to change the law. For women, Scotland said politicians should have no problem using the definition of “adult human woman” when asked to nominate a woman. He added: “This is a First Minister who claims to oppose sexism in politics, but can not meet and talk to women who are affected by her policies. Her track record of dealing with harassment and abuse within her own party leaves much to be desired. “Her proposals for identification are not about ‘trans people’ but about whoever chooses, for whatever reason, to change their gender by law. “All the evidence of harm to girls in school who are forced to use mixed sex facilities, to women in prison, to hundreds of girls who are confirmed as the opposite sex and are on a path to lifelong healing must be rejected and rejected. »
