The Faculty of Advocates has written to Scottish Government officials to criticise the “appalling comments” made by the Deputy Convener of the Scottish Parliament's Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee.
Scottish Green MSP, Maggie Chapman, was filmed at a weekend protest in Dundee in the wake of the Supreme Court ruling on the definition of a woman, condemning the “bigotry, prejudice and hatred that we see coming from the Supreme Court”.
In a scathing letter lambasting the MSP’s inflammatory language, the Faculty insisted an apology be issued to the Supreme Court.
The Dean of the Faculty of Advocates, Roddy Dunlop KC, wrote to the parliamentarians and asserted, “these are appalling comments to come from any elected politician”.
Scottish Green MSP, Maggie Chapman, was filmed at a weekend protest in Dundee condemning the 'bigotry, prejudice and hatred that we see coming from the Supreme Court'
PA
He added: “They are all the worse when they come from someone who holds the post of Deputy Convenor of the Scottish Parliament's Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee.”
He goes on to explain that all judges exist only to apply the law: “They do not take sides. They decide without fear or favour, consistently with the judicial oath.”
The Faculty of Advocates wrote to Chapman and SNP equality convener Kay Adam following the widespread circulation of the video online.
Filmed in Dundee on Saturday, the Scottish Green MSP can be seen nodding along with transgender activist Sophie Molly, aggressively shouting: “After this protest, I’m going to use a women’s toilet.
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The video was picked up on X by the Harry Potter author, who responded: “So vulnerable. So oppressed. So determined to break the law by continuing to invade women's spaces.
“And being cheered on by Maggie Chapman MSP of the Scottish Greens, who is one of our most enthusiastic anti-women legislators.”
Despite calls for her to step down from her role as Deputy Convener of the EHRC and Justice Committee, Chapman - a longtime supporter of trans rights in Scotland - defiantly stood by her comments with her responsibility to “stand up and represent trans people”.
Scotland’s Social Justice Secretary, Shirley-Anne Somerville, said the Scottish Government 'fully accepts' the ruling of the Supreme Court
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In the closing paragraph of his letter, Dunlop KC suggests “that a fulsome and swift apology is warranted”, but going further he says “we suggest that her comments are not compatible with her role as Deputy Convenor, or, arguably, her continued membership of the Committee”.
Dunlop conceded that the atmosphere following the ruling of the lengthy legal battle between For Women Scotland and the Scottish Government was toxic, but even so Chapman’s tirade was “outrageous” and constituted a breach of her duty to uphold the law.
“This behaviour is irresponsible and reprehensible,” he said.
“Faculty very much regrets having to write this letter. However, Ms Chapman’s words have left it with no choice. Her behaviour in this instance is utterly beyond the pale.”
Chapman was reported to the Presiding Officer and standards committee by Alba MSP Ash Regan, who insisted: “MSPs have a duty to uphold the law, not undermine it.”
Yesterday 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.
