Nicola Sturgeon’s claim that there are people opposed to the Gender Recognition Reform Bill who are “transphobic… deeply misogynist, often homophobic, possibly some of them racist as well” was a deeply cynical attempt to tar her political opponents with the worst kind of brush.

Humiliated over the case of the transgender rapist sent initially to a women’s prison then, following public uproar, moved to a men’s one, the First Minister should be reflecting seriously on her mistakes. Instead, comments like this only serve to inflame passions in a debate that is already past boiling point, as a recent placard calling for ‘Terfs’ – trans-exclusionary radical feminists – to be “decapitated” makes clear.

Furthermore, Sturgeon’s remarks damage the cause of transgender rights. The case of Isla Bryson, who raped two women while a man and started the transition process before being sentenced, demonstrates a fundamental point – that there is not an absolute right to self-ID.

Sturgeon’s unwarranted, over-the-top attack is also likely to backfire, as public sympathy and support may shift towards those being so unfairly traduced. She is entitled to her opinion, but to join the chorus of abuse suggests she has lost the plot. The First Minister should apologise forthwith or questions about her fitness to lead Scotland will multiply.

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