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Original poster

Kate Forbes reported for 'transphobia'

291 replies

ArabellaScott · 21/02/2023 16:01

www.heraldscotland.com/politics/23336504.kate-forbes-may-breached-snp-rules-transphobia/

'KATE Forbes looks set to be probed by the SNP's conduct committee after members of the party's LGBTQ+ wing accused her of breaking rules on transphobia.

In an interview with ITV Border, when asked if she believed a trans woman is a woman, the Finance Secretary replied: "I believe that a trans woman is a biological male who identifies as a woman."'

OP posts:
ditalini · 21/02/2023 16:15

I'm really confused by this - surely the number of people in Scotland who would agree with the statement "I believe that a trans woman is a biological male who identifies as a woman." is practically 100% and would include a swathe of people who "identify as" very socially liberal and definitely on the right side of history?

What are they trying to gain here? It feels like too much sunlight to be real surely?

MissLawls · 21/02/2023 16:15

Is it not a protected belief following the Forstater ruling? The fact Forbes framed it as her belief surely strengthens her EA2010 protections under the religion & belief PC. (I am not a lawyer.)

IANAL either but yes I believe so!

KohlaParasaurus · 21/02/2023 16:15

Not only is it fact, it is also a belief she, just like anyone else, is legally entitled to hold.

BettyFilous · 21/02/2023 16:13

MissLawls · 21/02/2023 16:10

I hope Forbes sticks to what she said which is factually correct. She can maybe use her religion to fall back on but I hope she doesn't do that. However be interesting if she does. For aren't religious beliefs also protected? And what if someone of another faith said what Forbes did!? And claimed it was a protected belief. Would they too be subject to a conduct committee hearing?

Is it not a protected belief following the Forstater ruling? The fact Forbes framed it as her belief surely strengthens her EA2010 protections under the religion & belief PC. (I am not a lawyer.)

MissLawls · 21/02/2023 16:13

transphobia is a meaningless word.

In fact it originally meant fear of public transport! A sentiment I suspect many of us have felt at one time! Also the word phobia means fear, not hate! To fear something irrationally. It could however be argued that since some activists try to get people fired, arrested, and otherwise harassed then this phobia isn't a phobia since it isn't irrational. Isn't it perfectly rational to fear activists who are extremists desperate to find and prosecute offence wherever they can?

MrsBennetsPoorNerves · 21/02/2023 16:13

Let them do their probe. I'd like to hear them try to articulate exactly what is wrong with what said. Bring it on!

PennyFarthings · 21/02/2023 16:13

A trans woman is a biological male. I will not be told that this is an expression of hate. It's just a bloody fact.

bellinisurge · 21/02/2023 16:11

You don't need to be a Baptist or whatever she is to believe that. It's like "believing the sky is blue because of the particular way white light refracts in our atmosphere" rather than "believing it's the eyes of smiling angels".

cobblers123 · 21/02/2023 16:10

Bloody hell, this is just madness! She's totally right. What's up with people!

MissLawls · 21/02/2023 16:10

I hope Forbes sticks to what she said which is factually correct. She can maybe use her religion to fall back on but I hope she doesn't do that. However be interesting if she does. For aren't religious beliefs also protected? And what if someone of another faith said what Forbes did!? And claimed it was a protected belief. Would they too be subject to a conduct committee hearing?

WorkingItOutAsIGo · 21/02/2023 16:09

I think this stuff is hugely valuable: it brings daylight. Am sorry for Kate with the stress of it, but most people will see that if you can be accused of transphobia for saying what everyone knows to be true, then transphobia is a meaningless word.

This sort of ridiculous claim is damaging for those who truly do suffer transphobia.

randomusername2020 · 21/02/2023 16:08

This reply has been withdrawn

This post has been withdrawn at the poster's request due to privacy concerns.

MarshaBradyo · 21/02/2023 16:07

The statement is fact

It’s crazy.

StephanieSuperpowers · 21/02/2023 16:04

Well if it goes to court, it could be interesting. Not that it will, but it's always fascinating to see what happens when they try to defend their antiscience beliefs.

RoseslnTheHospital · 21/02/2023 16:03

The ongoing madness of this never ceases to amaze. She said nothing that isn't a simple fact.

Fakecrazy · 21/02/2023 16:03

It's not even believe is it? It's knowledge/fact. That's what pisses me off.