The Scottish Government has announced plans to enact a bill targeting misogyny, which will extend its protection to include trans women.
This legislation, slated for introduction before the end of the current parliamentary session in 2026, aims to combat prejudice and violence against all women and girls.
During an interview with BBC’s Good Morning Scotland, First Minister Humza Yousaf emphasised that the law would protect “anyone affected” by misogyny, irrespective of their gender identity. He highlighted the vulnerabilities of trans women, who are frequently subjected to severe threats such as rape or disfigurement.
“When a trans woman is threatened on the street, the perpetrator does not distinguish their gender identity. They are targeted simply because they are perceived as women,” Yousaf explained.
The urgency of the bill comes in response to concerns that gender was not adequately covered in the recent Hate Crime Act, with many urging for a more inclusive approach. Yousaf reassured that the legislation would be advanced swiftly.
Furthermore, Yousaf addressed the Scottish Government’s stance on the contentious Cass Review, which has influenced policies on gender care for young people. The review recommended a cautious approach to prescribing puberty blockers to transgender youth, a point the Government is considering without immediate drastic changes to existing healthcare facilities like Glasgow’s Sandyford Centre, which provides pivotal gender and sexual health services.
This legislative commitment coincides with the release of a distressing report detailing a significant decline in happiness among trans youth in Scotland. A survey conducted with over 1,200 LGBTQ+ individuals aged 13 to 25 revealed a stark decrease in well-being over the past decade, with only 28% of trans participants reporting happiness in 2022, compared to 59% in 2012. Additionally, a mere third of trans respondents felt safe socialising in their hometowns.
