A recent rally in Edinburgh, spearheaded by controversial anti-trans activist Kellie-Jay Keen-Minshull, known as Posie Parker, has been drowned out by LGBTQ+ advocacy groups.
The “Let Women Speak” event, held on April 6, was designed to challenge Scotland’s new hate crime laws through “gender-critical” chants. The laws, criticised by figures such as JK Rowling, aim to protect against hate speech but have sparked debate about free speech limits.
The rally was met with a vibrant counter-protest by the Cabaret Against the Hate Speech (CAHS), an LGBTQ+ advocacy group. CAHS members countered the rally with live performances, effectively overshadowing the main event with their music and dance, leading to reports that their efforts “drowned out” the rally’s messages.
In a separate incident earlier in March, during another “Let Women Speak” rally in Hobart, Keen-Minshull was involved in a heated exchange where she dismissed a critic with, “Why don’t you go away. I’m not a feminist!” This statement came after she was accused of aligning with extremist views.
The events continue to stir discussions on the balance between free speech and protections against hate speech, highlighting the deep divides within discussions on gender identity.
