Statement: Maggie Chapman
Speaking after the Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee voted against Tess White MSPs’ motion to remove her from the Committee, Maggie Chapman said:
“I am grateful that the Committee has rejected this motion and the attempt to remove me.
“I am also very grateful to the many trans and non-binary people and allies who have been in touch with me over the last two weeks to tell me their stories.
“It’s been devastating to hear about the exclusion and prejudice they or their loved ones have faced, and how worried they are for the future.
“The focus should not be on me, it should be on the outcomes of the ruling and the serious threat that is being posed to the rights of trans and non-binary people.
"I have never questioned the Court’s right to make the ruling that it did. But that does not mean that I must agree with it. I don’t, and I am very concerned about the impact it will have and is already having.
“Over recent years a toxic culture war has seen trans people and their loved ones being targeted and demonised by too many politicians and large parts of the media.
“I will always stand up and advocate for trans and non-binary people. Not just because it is the right thing to do, but because it is also my job to stand up for my constituents.
“Some of my constituents are trans or non-binary. Others have trans or non-binary children, parents, siblings, friends. They deserve representation as who they are. I will not stop being a vocal trans ally.”