Holyrood committee rejects removal of Maggie Chapman

Maggie Chapman MSP

The Scottish Parliament’s equalities, human rights and civil justice committee, of which the Green MSP is deputy convenor, voted 4-3 against a motion recommending her removal by the Parliament.

It came after Ms Chapman spoke against what she called “the bigotry, prejudice and hatred that we see coming from the Supreme Court and from so many other institutions in our society” at a demonstration in Aberdeen.

Her remarks drew criticism from the office-bearers of the Faculty of Advocates, who told the committee that they were “not compatible with her role as deputy convenor, or, arguably, her continued membership of the committee”.

Ms Chapman was joined by three SNP MSPs in voting against the motion, which was supported by two Conservative MSPs – including Tess White, who proposed it – and one Labour MSP.

Appearing this morning via video link, Ms Chapman twice quoted retired Supreme Court justice Lord Hope, who said of her: “I do not think that she should stand down or be removed from her post but she should be more careful with her language.”

In a statement following the meeting, Ms 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.”

She added: “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.”