Will the SNP finally abandon its gender reforms?

Perhaps the Scottish government thinks it’s a good time to put out the rubbish. With the news agenda dominated by the Scottish Budget and with the Christmas recess imminent, First Minister Humza Yousaf has reportedly decided to abandon his appeal against the UK government’s Section 35 order on the Gender Recognition Reform (Scotland) Bill. The bill, intended to make it easier for trans people to obtain gender recognition certifications, was attacked by ‘gender critical’ feminists, including former SNP leadership contender Kate Forbes. Westminster put the brakes on the legislation – a decision which sparked an SNP backlash. But now, if reports in the Herald are accurate, it seems Yousaf has finally seen sense. 

If the Bill is dead, it may also be a good time to put out the Scottish Green party. Their promotion of trans ideology has alienated many SNP supporters. The Greens were the driving force behind the legislation passed by the Scottish parliament in December 2022 after a stormy all-night session and the resignation of the SNP community safety minister Ash Regan.