Statement on Supreme Court ruling

My heart sank when I heard the news this week from the Supreme Court, and I know the hurt that is being felt across Scotland. I know there is fear about what this ruling means for existing laws and rights, and what will come next – work is ongoing to determine this.

A number of distressed constituents in the Highlands and Islands have already contacted me for support and I can only promise that I’ll continue to fight for you as a trans ally and member of the LGBTQ+ community, in Holyrood and beyond.

You will never come up with a single definition that successfully captures all women, nor all cisgender women, while excluding all others – nor should we need to. Women and human beings in general are too complex and diverse. That complexity and diversity are things to be celebrated, not scared of, and I regret that good people are being caused pain in the process of society and the legal system working this out.

I reiterate my calls for an end to conversion practices, recognition for non-binary people, and protection of rights for all trans people. It is never okay to cause harm to someone because of who they are or who they love, and I hope to be able to vote one day for a bill that ensures this is always a criminal offence.

I will remain in contact with organisations like the Equality Network and Scottish Human Rights Commission to ensure I’m doing all I can to support the community. I remain an ally and a voice in the Scottish Parliament standing up for LGBTQ+ rights – and I’m far from alone in that place, or my party.

Please do not hesitate to reach out if I can offer any direct support as your MSP.