Action: Write to thank the Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament

[ArabellaScott]

As we know, the Scottish Parliament moved swiftly to ensure that facilities in the building were kept single sex, and that anyone who didn't wish to use the facilities for their sex would be provided for with a gender neutral facility, too.

Thus ensuring safety, privacy, dignity and choice for all.

https://www.parliament.scot/msps/current-and-previous-msps/alison-johnstone

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cpw78jv2gk5o

'The SPCB said it had agreed "practical changes of minimal cost" to toilets and changing facilities following an interim review of Holyrood services.
The presiding officer set out the changes in a letter to MSPs and staff. It said:
All Scottish Parliament toilets designated as male or female would now be interpreted as meaning biological sex.

A bank of three existing toilets in the public area of the building would be designated as a gender-neutral facility.
These will be in addition to female-only toilets, male-only toilets, an accessible toilet and a changing places facility.
The SPCB said it would consult on any further changes needed to meet an updated Equality and Human Rights Commission code of practice expected in coming months.

Alison Johnstone said the toilets would ensure "confidence, privacy and dignity"
Ms Johnstone said: "We believe it is important to take these interim steps now not only to ensure we fulfil our legal responsibilities but to give clarity to all those using the building.
"Such clarity is an important element in offering all individuals confidence, privacy and dignity when using our facilities.
"Everyone working in, or visiting, Holyrood should feel welcome in the building and be confident there is a suitable facility for them."'

And as we know, the trans activists responded in their usual restrained manner.

I will be writing to Ms Johnstone to thank her for her swift, brave, and sensible decision to follow the Supreme Court judgement, and ensure the safety, privacy, and dignity of women.

It'd be great to let the Scottish Parliament know that women appreciate their work - they will be getting a barrage of angry mail from trans activists.

Email here, for anyone else who would like to voice their support:

[email protected]

A paraphrase of the letter I'll be sending, feel free to adapt, use, change as you see fit:

Thank you for your swift, decisive, and sensible response to the Supreme Court judgement.

It is right and proper that our Parliament building respects and upholds the law, and treats all staff and visitors with equal respect and consideration.

This fair, reasonable, decision protects women and ensures that anyone who is not comfortable with using facilities in accordance with their sex is also provided for.

In ensuring that facilities in the Scottish Parliament are provided to maintain the safety, privacy, and dignity of all, you have offered a model of how the judgement can be interpreted and practically implemented. I'm grateful for this exemplar.

Good idea.

And also something to say to the HoC that it is incredible that they think they dont have to obey the law.!

The Scottish Parliament is an interesting building and a big tourist attraction. Lots of people are interested in visiting. This will make it a friendlier place for women.

Thanks Arabella, good suggestion. I believe that she’s a Green so must have taken even more guts to act immediately, when you compare to other organisations who seem to need more detail.

I had to Google to check that! Yes, she was elected as a Green. Blow me down.

Ooft wee Harvie will not be happy with her!!!!

I assume Harvie starts off from a position of antipathy towards all women anyway, so probably not much change there.

Bumping.

The Good Law project have got a letter writing campaign to the Scottish Parliament to complain at them following the judgement.

Responses that support the judgement and the Scotparl's subsequent actions will help them to show that there are people who are on side.

Done, thank you for the suggestion

She'll probably be expelled now.

Done this evening, thanks also for the suggestion. Great to be able to show her some support.

From what I understand it does help when politicians are able to say that they've had letters on a subject.