Gender-critical activists and pro-transgender counter-protesters clashed in Edinburgh on Saturday in a dispute over transgender rights. The rally, led by Let Women Speak (LWS) founder Kellie-Jay Keen-Minshull, also known as Posie Parker, took place outside the Royal Scottish Academy.
Keen-Minshull stated that the rally aimed to test Scotland's new hate crime legislation, according to the Telegraph. She described transitioning children as 'profound abuse' and called the hate crime laws 'preposterous'. The event remained peaceful, with Police Scotland confirming no arrests were made.
The counter-protest, led by Cabaret Against the Hate Speech (CAHS), featured placards, banners, and pro-transgender chants. A CAHS spokesperson said the group 'stands in solidarity with the trans community across the globe, who are facing unprecedented levels of violence, hatred and harassment'.
This follows recent comments by JK Rowling, who challenged police to arrest her after describing trans women activists as 'men'. Police Scotland received complaints but deemed the comments not criminal. First Minister Humza Yousaf defended the legislation, stating it 'absolutely protects people in their freedom of expression'.
