John Swinney contradicts Scottish Government's stance on pregnant men

In Edinburgh, on the last day of a two-day hearing in London regarding the definition of a 'woman' within UK equalities law, John Swinney publicly stated his disbelief in the possibility of men becoming pregnant. This was in stark contrast to the arguments presented by Scottish Government lawyers at the UK Supreme Court, who contended that protections for pregnant women under the 2010 Equality Act could also be extended to 'pregnant men' born female with a Gender Recognition Certificate (GRC). The discussions arose from a legal challenge brought by the feminist group For Women Scotland against the Scottish Government's guidance, which claims that the term 'woman' includes male-born transgender individuals with a GRC. During the media conference, when asked about his views on whether men can become pregnant, Swinney affirmed, 'No, I don’t.' This remark raised questions about why his legal team was pursuing a different narrative in court, to which he responded that it involved 'many complex arguments.' His comments led to criticism from the Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay, who rebuked the Government's expenditure on what he described as a failure to acknowledge biological truths. Findlay emphasized that only women can become pregnant, framing the debate as a matter of common sense and biology. Swinney's comments highlight a growing rift within political discourse surrounding gender identity and the implications for legislation concerning sex and rights. Meanwhile, Ruth Crawford, a counsel for the Scottish Government, discussed the complexities of the case, emphasizing that the 'pregnant man' issue is indicative of deep political waters that legislators should address. The situation adds to the ongoing national debate regarding the balance of trans rights and women's rights in Scotland. As the hearing concluded, the five justices committed to issuing a ruling promptly. The outcome of this case could significantly impact definitions and legal protections surrounding gender and sex, potentially influencing future policies and political arguments. The complexities involved in navigating these sensitivities signal that the discussions surrounding gender identity will continue to evolve, prompting further assessments of legislation and societal perceptions.