Scottish politicians and JK Rowling voice anger over ‘decapitate terfs’ sign at pro-trans rally in Glasgow | UK News
An SNP politician attacked a ‘terfs beheading’ sign at a pro-transgender rally, saying “violent hate is lurking in plain sight”.
The sign, which also features a guillotine illustration, was taken during a protest outside glasgow Royal Concert Hall on Saturday.
The protest was organized to protest the UK government’s decision block Holyrood’s Gender Recognition Reform (GRR) Bill since it was officially signed into law.
SNP’s Kaukab Stewart MSP, MP Kirsten Oswald, MP Stewart McDonald and MP Alison Thewliss were fiercely criticized after being photographed and videotaped in front of the sign.
A party spokesman said politicians were unaware of the sign at the time.
‘TERF’ is an acronym for radical trans feminists and is often used to refer to those who oppose gender identity reform or who are critical of the transgender rights movement.
‘I have many qualities, but having eyes on the back of my neck is not one of them’
All four politicians condemned the sign.
Ms Stewart, MSP of Glasgow Kelvin, said she was “not aware of these obnoxious signs” and “completely disagrees with them”.
Responding to a tweet, Ms Thewliss, MP of the Glasgow Centre, said: “I have many qualities, but having eyes on the back of my neck is not one of them.
“If I saw the sign you’re referring to, I would have told the person involved how inappropriate and offensive it was, and to remove it.”
Ms Oswald, the MP for East Renfrewshire, called it “terrible”, adding that it “certainly does not represent my views” and “has no place in our peace movement for democracy and equality”. LGBT”.
While Mr McDonald, MP of Glasgow South, said: “Signs of violence at [Saturday’s] The demonstration was absolutely heinous and condemned without question. I suspect it might even be illegal.
“The idiot who created it and is holding it didn’t support those who oppose transgender equality and democracy – quite the opposite.”
Harry Potter author JK Rowling criticized the politicians, posting on Twitter: “A strange new form of temporary blindness has broken out among Scottish politicians.
“None of them could read the placards calling for violence against women from within inches of them, but they were instantly cured when pictures of them posing with the signs were posted. published in the press.”
Cop Scotland has since launched a probe following the complaints and said investigations are ongoing.
Joanna Cherry, SNP MP for Edinburgh South West, welcomed the police investigation as she defended her colleagues most likely unaware of the sign behind them.
The politician claimed to have a sign calling for such violence against transgender people, “everyone will have the right to stand up”.
She added that “violent misconduct is lurking in plain sight and it is time for it to be taken seriously before a woman is killed or seriously injured”.
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Joanna Cherry MP speaking at a rally outside the Scottish Parliament last year
Speaking to Sky News, Ms Cherry said: “Anyone who doesn’t pay attention to the violent stigma of many so-called transgender rights activists is not paying attention.
“Women like me, JK Rowling, Rosie Duffield and others who have been raped and threatened with death know this all too well.
“Signs like the one we saw on Saturday threatening murderous violence against any other group will cause outrage, but they are normal at such protests.
“I would like to see the leaders of the parties of all MPs present on Saturday frankly condemn what has happened.”
The SNP states that any violent or hateful language is “unacceptable”.
Speaking on behalf of MPs and party MSPs, an SNP spokesman said: “SNP MPs and MPs attended [the] protest in defense of Scottish democracy and transgender rights.
“Violent or hateful language – of any kind – is unacceptable and has no place in the LGBT peace movement for equality and democracy.”
‘This behavior is completely unacceptable’
Murdo Fraser, Conservative Party MSP for Mid-Scotland and Fife, reported the sign to Police Scotland and has since issued a statement to officers.
He also confirmed that police are currently investigating an online threat of violence against JK Rowling “because of her sexist views”, which the force confirmed.
Scottish Conservative MSP Murdo Fraser reported the placard to Police Scotland
Mr Fraser said: “This behavior is completely unacceptable and needs to be quelled before it escalates into actual violence.
“I’m glad the police are taking these complaints seriously, but we need to see action against those responsible and unfounded condemnation from everyone in leadership positions.” political ethics.”
A Police Scotland spokesman said: “We have received reports of a sign displayed during a protest on Buchanan Street, Glasgow on Saturday 21 January 2023. Investigations are ongoing. conducted.”
