The Scottish Green MSP who launched a scathing attack on the historic Supreme Court definition of a woman has survived a committee push to remove her thanks to her own vote.
Maggie Chapman, Deputy Convener of the Scottish Parliament’s Equality, Human Rights & Civil Justice committee (EHRC), was seen accusing the court of “bigotry, prejudice and hatred” in a video taken at a rally in Aberdeen in the days following the decision.
Despite First Minister John Swinney declaring Chapman was “wrong” to question the decision of the judiciary, the North East MSP defiantly defended her decision to hit out at the Supreme Court and insisted she would not apologise, stand down or reconsider her position in the committee.
Her actions sparked a call for her removal from the EHRC group by Scottish Conservative committee member Tess White but the vote held on Tuesday morning saw Maggie Chapman hold on as Deputy Convener by four votes to three.
Maggie Chapman was seen accusing the court of 'bigotry, prejudice and hatred' in a video taken at a rally in Aberdeen
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Scottish Conservatives Tess White and Dr Pam Gosal MBE were joined by Labour’s Paul O’Kane in voting for her removal, while Maggie Chapman was seen through the vote by the SNP Convenor Karen Adam, two other SNP committee members and her own vote.
Chapman’s outburst sparked a curt letter of protest from the Faculty of Advocates and Scotland’s top lawyer to Chapman and EHRC Convenor, Karen Adam MSP.
Roddy Dunlop KC demanding a “fulsome and swift apology” and recommending Chapman’s comments were “not compatible” with her role in the committee.
He wrote: “We suggest that a fulsome and swift apology is warranted,” adding, “notwithstanding that the requirements apply only whilst acting in the capacity of Convenor, we suggest that her comments are not compatible with her role as Deputy Convenor, or, arguably, her continued membership of the Committee.”
“In addition to the suggested apology, and whatever action is taken by Adam or her colleagues relative to Chapman’s position on the Committee, we suggest that, in order to restore credibility in that Committee, Adam should speak out publicly in defence of the Court and of the Rule of Law.”
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Her actions sparked a call for her removal from the EHRC group by Scottish Conservative committee member Tess White but the vote held on Tuesday morning saw Maggie Chapman hold on as Deputy Convener by four votes to three
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Last week, Scotland’s Social Justice Secretary, Shirley-Anne Somerville, said the Scottish Government “fully accepts” the ruling of the Supreme Court.
The Cabinet Secretary offered assurances that fresh guidance would be issued to public bodies in line with the court’s decision and that there were “no plans” to resurrect the controversial Gender Recognition Reform Bill, vetoed by the UK Government in January 2023.
Holyrood leader of the Alba Party, Ash Regan, has written to the Scottish Parliament Presiding Officer Alison Johnstone, to “formally raise concerns” about Maggie Chapman’s conduct.
Regan has been a continuous supporter of For Women Scotland throughout their lengthy legal battle with the Scottish Government, culminating in the Supreme Court decision.
Referring to the incident recorded at the Aberdeen rally, she wrote, “Given Chapman’s position as Deputy Convenor of a committee tasked with scrutinising legislation related to equalities, human rights and civil justice, it is especially concerning that she would publicly discredit a ruling of the UK’s highest court on such a sensitive and legally significant matter.
Protesters took to the streets of Scotland after the Supreme Court ruling
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“I consider these remarks to be incompatible with the standards of conduct expected of all MSPs and particularly of those in committee leadership positions.”
Reacting to the committee vote on X, former SNP MP Joanna Cherry KC said, “Maggie Chapman saved by her own vote and the committee convenor Karen Adam.
“Whatever happened to the principle that no one should be a judge in their own cause? This committee is not fit for purpose.”
Tess White, who instigated the vote, said it was a “shameful day for equalities” after Ms Chapman refused a final opportunity to apologise before the committee vote.
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