MSPs Demand Urgent Statement from Police Scotland's Chief Constable Over Noisy Protest

The Scottish Parliament has come under fire for allowing a counter-protester to disrupt a rally by For Women Scotland (FWS) last Thursday, with MSPs claiming that officers appeared to protect the individual playing loud music while women's voices were drowned out. The protest was held to demand the Scottish Government implement the UK Supreme Court's ruling on the Equality Act 2010, which refers to "biological sex" in the definition of a woman. For Women Scotland has given the Scottish Government 21 days to remove guidance on schools and prisons, but the government has yet to comply, leading the group to lodge a summons at the Court of Session.

Key Takeaways:

• MSPs claim that Police Scotland facilitated "controlling and intimidating behaviour" by protecting a counter-protester who was playing loud music and disrupting a rally by For Women Scotland.
• The counter-protester, Tom Harlow, blasted music through a sound system, including songs that referred to gender-critical activists as "germs," while women at the rally struggled to be heard.
• Police Scotland has confirmed that they received a report of vandalism to an umbrella, and inquiries are continuing, with FWS director Susan Smith accused by Harlow of vandalising his umbrella.
• For Women Scotland has given the Scottish Government 21 days to remove guidance on schools and prisons, but the government has yet to comply, leading the group to lodge a summons at the Court of Session.
• MSPs have demanded a public apology from Police Scotland to For Women Scotland and a full statement from the Chief Constable, Jo Farrell.
• Conservative MSP Pam Gosal accused the government of treating For Women Scotland differently than trans rights activists, giving rise to perceptions of bias.
• Alba's Ash Regan reported that she had personally approached officers to ask for the volume to be reduced but was told it was "not possible."
• Both For Women Scotland and the Mothers for Palestine, who were also subjected to loud noise levels, have been subjected to noise limits being breached.

Statistics:

• 116 decibels was the recorded noise level from Tom Harlow's sound system.
• 21 days is the time given to the Scottish Government by For Women Scotland to remove guidance on schools and prisons.
• 1 report of vandalism to an umbrella has been received by Police Scotland.
• 1 summons has been lodged at the Court of Session by For Women Scotland in response to the government's failure to comply.

Sources:

• Scotland Herald
• Scottish Parliament
• Police Scotland
• For Women Scotland
• Alba
• Conservative MSP Pam Gosal