FMQs: Swinney rejects claim of 'state-sanctioned abuses' against women

Women's human rights are being abused in Scotland "due to the treatment of biological males as females", First Minister John Swinney has been told.

Conservative MSP Tess White made the claim during First Minister's Questions, telling the SNP leader that a report released this week contained "spine-chilling figures" about crimes committed against women in hospitals.

The paper, by the Women's Rights Network, focused on sexual offences in hospital settings. 

White, an advocate for women-only spaces and critic of gender recognition reforms, said inclusion policies mean "women are being placed in harm's way, both physically and psychologically, in Scottish prisons, rape crisis centres, toilets and changing rooms".

The North East Scotland MSP was one of several members to raise questions related to International Women's Day, and called on Swinney to meet with cross-party MSPs "as a matter of urgency", saying: "How can any progress on women's equality be made without this?"

Swinney said he is "absolutely committed to protecting and asserting the safety of women and girls in our society" and is taking steps to challenge "the behaviour of men". He said: "I will be unapologetic in setting out that point of view from my position as a male first minister, exercising leadership to make sure that men face up to their responsibilities to ensure that women and girls can live safely in our society."

However, Alba's Ash Regan, a former community safety minister, accused Swinney of presiding over "state-sanctioned abuses".

She said: "It is utterly impossible to accelerate action towards gender equality when women's human rights are under attack. The Scottish Government must now apologise for their role in this and break from these state-sanctioned abuses. Will the first minister make a clear commitment today to upholding the internationally protected human rights of women and girls in Scotland?"

Swinney countered: "I will not accept the charge, and I reject it entirely, of state-sanctioned abuses. I will not accept that charge in any way, shape or form from Ash Regan. I have put on the record my absolute commitment to the protection of women and girls in our society. That underpins the policy agenda of my government and it will underpin my conduct as first minister."