Irvine’s SNP MSP is coming under fire for appearing to criticise the First Minister over her stance on trans rights.
In a leaked private Twitter conversation from February, Ruth Maguire shared a tweet praising the First Minister’s “positive feminist analysis of trans rights,” with ‘FFS’ as a response.
The private chat also includes MSPs Gillian Martin and Ash Denham who then discussed the First Minister being ‘out of step’ with the group on the issue of trans rights.
Councillor Robert Foster from the local Labour party is calling for Ruth Maguire to ‘immediately resign’ as the convenor of the equalities and human rights committee.
He added: “Trans rights are human rights. They are non-negotiable. Not believing that is fundamentally incompatible with being the convenor of the equalities and human rights committee.
“The equalities convenor should know better than to share views with people who hold such offensive views.
“Youth groups across North Ayrshire have been doing incredible work to promote LGBT inclusive education in our schools. Its a kick in the face to the young people throughout North Ayrshire who are doing incredible work on LGBT rights including the fantastic LGBT group at Kilwinning Academy in Ruth’s constituency.
“Ruth’s resignation should include an unreserved apology to the trans and wider LGBT community for her behaviour.”
A SNP spokesperson said: “The SNP supports trans rights and women’s rights as part of our firm commitment to human rights and equality.
“Trans people must be able to live their lives without facing unnecessary barriers and discrimination.
“It is important that any discussion on trans rights and women’s rights is conducted respectfully.”
The Irvine Herald has contacted Ruth Maguire MSP for comment but the party confirmed earlier today the MSPs concerned would not respond individually.
