![\"An](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/0_JS366363081.jpg\")
A rally organised by Resisting Transphobia took place in Edinburgh today.(Image: Lesley Martin\/PA Wire)<\/p>\nThe First Minister said he accepted the judgement, but also recognised its impact on trans people.A rally organised by Resisting Transphobia took place in Edinburgh today.(Image: Lesley Martin\/PA Wire)<\/p>\n
John Swinney has said he “understands” the “hurt and anguish” felt by trans people following the Supreme Court verdict on the definition of a woman, as a rally protesting the decision took place in Edinburgh<\/a> on Saturday afternoon.<\/p>\n On Wednesday, April 16, the country’s top judges unanimously ruled that a woman is defined by biological sex under equalities law in a case brought against the Scottish Government<\/a> by the group For Women Scotland. The First Minister previously said he accepted the judgement, but also recognised the pain it has caused.<\/p>\n Speaking to the PA news agency during a by-election campaign<\/a>, he said the verdict must be followed. He said: “Now, of course, there will be many, many people who feel very hurt by the decision that’s been taken by the Supreme Court.<\/p>\n “I understand that hurt and that anguish, and in my reaction to the Supreme Court<\/a> judgement I’ve said two things: Firstly, that I accept the judgement of the Supreme Court because I believe in the rule of law, but secondly that I believe in the protection of the rights of everybody within our society.<\/p>\n “The Supreme Court made it abundantly clear that it was vital that the existing legal<\/a> instruments that are in place to protect the rights of trans people continue to operate.”<\/p>\n Trans rights groups and community organisations took part in the rally in Edinburgh<\/a>, organised by Resisting Transphobia, on Saturday, April 19.<\/p>\n Demonstrators<\/a> gathered at the foot of The Mound before marching to Queen Elizabeth House, the UK Government building in the capital.<\/p>\n Images taken outside show the gathered<\/a> crowds holding up trans flags and placards bearing slogans supporting trans rights.<\/p>\n A similar protest<\/a>, billed as an “emergency demonstration”, also took place at Parliament Square in London.<\/p>\n Judge<\/a> Lord Hodge said that the ruling should not be seen as a triumph for either side of the debate and stressed that existing law still gives trans people protection against discrimination.<\/p>\n Meanwhile, the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) announced it would be meeting with Health Secretary Neil Gray next week as the Government<\/a> is urged to issue fresh guidance to public bodies on single sex spaces.<\/p>\n Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today.<\/p>\n You’ll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland.<\/p>\n No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team.<\/p>\n All you have to do is click here if you’re on mobile<\/strong><\/a>, select ‘Join Community’ and you’re in!<\/p>\n If you’re on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click ‘Join Community’.<\/p>\n We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don\u2019t like our community, you can check out any time you like.<\/p>\n To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose ‘exit group’.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.<\/a><\/p>\n It comes amid a tribunal at NHS<\/a> Fife involving nurse Sandie Peggie who objected to sharing a changing room with a trans doctor.<\/p>\n The EHRC has warned health boards<\/a> they will be pursued if they do not adhere to the law on single sex spaces.<\/p>\n The Scottish Tories attacked Scotland’s equalities minister last month after she told a Holyrood committee she could not “say for a fact” that every hospital<\/a> was following those rules.<\/p>\n Asked on Saturday by PA whether he could make that promise, Mr Swinney said: “It’s important that at all times we act within the law, and the guidance the Scottish Government<\/a> has made available and that boards have had to operate within has been guidance essentially generated by the Equalities and Human Rights Commission.<\/p>\n “So, obviously, in the light of the Supreme Court judgement, there will have to be a good deal of dialogue and consideration around these issues, and that will be the subject of a statement to Parliament<\/a> on Tuesday.”<\/p>\n![\"An](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/0_JS366363225.jpg\")
Crowds gathered outside the UK Government building in Edinburgh.(Image: Lesley Martin\/PA Wire)<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/0_WACOMMUNITYQR2.png\")
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