Nicola Sturgeon Accused of Trying to "Diminish Women" at Dundee Book Festival

Strategic Insights -

Nicola Sturgeon, the former first minister of Scotland, was confronted at a Witches Of Scotland event at Dundee Book Festival by campaigner Bryndis Blackadder over her stance on controversial trans laws. The audience at the Steps Theatre event reacted with jeers as Ms Blackadder accused Ms Sturgeon of trying to "diminish women" in legislation. Ms Sturgeon defended herself by saying she would fight for groups stigmatized "for as long as I have breath in my body." The event was part of a discussion about the history of women in Scotland who were accused of witchcraft, and Ms Blackadder felt compelled to ask a question about Ms Sturgeon's trans policies after listening to a discussion about the persecution of women.

Key Takeaways:

  • Bryndis Blackadder, a legal consultant, confronted Nicola Sturgeon at a Witches Of Scotland event at Dundee Book Festival over her stance on trans laws.
  • Ms Blackadder accused Ms Sturgeon of trying to "diminish women" in legislation, citing the persecution of women throughout history.
  • The audience at the event reacted with jeers, with some members booing Ms Blackadder's question.
  • The confrontation followed a discussion about the history of women in Scotland who were accused of witchcraft.
  • Nicola Sturgeon defended herself by saying she would fight for groups stigmatized "for as long as I have breath in my body."
  • The event was part of a discussion about the history of women in Scotland who were accused of witchcraft, and featured Dundee campaigners Zoe Venditozzi and Claire Mitchell KC.
  • The proposed trans laws, which were passed in Holyrood in 2022, would have made it easier for trans men and women to self-identify, sparking controversy among critics.
  • The UK Supreme Court ruled in April that the definition of a woman is based on biological sex for the purposes of the Equality Act.
  • An ongoing employment tribunal involving NHS Fife is at the center of a debate over single-sex spaces, with nurse Sandie Peggie suing her employer after being suspended following a changing-room row with trans doctor Beth Upton.

Statistics:

  • 2022: The proposed trans laws were passed in Holyrood.
  • 2023: The UK Supreme Court ruled that the definition of a woman is based on biological sex for the purposes of the Equality Act.
  • Since 2022: The debate over single-sex spaces has been at the heart of an ongoing employment tribunal involving NHS Fife.

Sources:

  • The Courier: Quote from Bryndis Blackadder: "I did go expecting to ask a question... I am genuinely interested in the history of Scottish witches and the persecution of Scottish women."
  • The Courier: Quote from Nicola Sturgeon: "Don't give into people who want to divide and rule."
  • The Courier: Quote from Bryndis Blackadder: "I'm hopefully not going to be burnt at the stake."