The Scottish Inexperienced MSP who launched a scathing assault on the historic Supreme Court docket definition of a girl has survived a committee push to take away her due to her personal vote.
Maggie Chapman, Deputy Convener of the Scottish Parliament’s Equality, Human Rights & Civil Justice committee (EHRC), was seen accusing the court docket of “bigotry, prejudice and hatred” in a video taken at a rally in Aberdeen within the days following the choice.
Regardless of First Minister John Swinney declaring Chapman was “wrong” to query the choice of the judiciary, the North East MSP defiantly defended her choice to hit out on the Supreme Court docket and insisted she wouldn’t apologise, stand down or rethink her place within the committee.
Her actions sparked a name for her elimination from the EHRC group by Scottish Conservative committee member Tess White however the vote held on Tuesday morning noticed Maggie Chapman maintain on as Deputy Convener by 4 votes to 3.
Maggie Chapman was seen accusing the court docket of ‘bigotry, prejudice and hatred’ in a video taken at a rally in Aberdeen
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Scottish Conservatives Tess White and Dr Pam Gosal MBE have been joined by Labour’s Paul O’Kane in voting for her elimination, whereas Maggie Chapman was seen by the vote by the SNP Convenor Karen Adam, two different SNP committee members and her personal vote.
Chapman’s outburst sparked a curt letter of protest from the College of Advocates and Scotland’s high lawyer to Chapman and EHRC Convenor, Karen Adam MSP.
Roddy Dunlop KC demanding a “fulsome and swift apology” and recommending Chapman’s feedback have been “not compatible” along with her position within the committee.
He wrote: “We suggest that a fulsome and swift apology is warranted,” including, “notwithstanding that the requirements apply only whilst acting in the capacity of Convenor, we suggest that her comments are not compatible with her role as Deputy Convenor, or, arguably, her continued membership of the Committee.”
“In addition to the suggested apology, and whatever action is taken by Adam or her colleagues relative to Chapman’s position on the Committee, we suggest that, in order to restore credibility in that Committee, Adam should speak out publicly in defence of the Court and of the Rule of Law.”
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Her actions sparked a name for her elimination from the EHRC group by Scottish Conservative committee member Tess White however the vote held on Tuesday morning noticed Maggie Chapman maintain on as Deputy Convener by 4 votes to 3
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Final week, Scotland’s Social Justice Secretary, Shirley-Anne Somerville, mentioned the Scottish Authorities “fully accepts” the ruling of the Supreme Court docket.
The Cupboard Secretary supplied assurances that contemporary steering could be issued to public our bodies in step with the court docket’s choice and that there have been “no plans” to resurrect the controversial Gender Recognition Reform Invoice, vetoed by the UK Authorities in January 2023.
Holyrood chief of the Alba Get together, Ash Regan, has written to the Scottish Parliament Presiding Officer Alison Johnstone, to “formally raise concerns” about Maggie Chapman’s conduct.
Regan has been a steady supporter of For Ladies Scotland all through their prolonged authorized battle with the Scottish Authorities, culminating within the Supreme Court docket choice.
Referring to the incident recorded on the Aberdeen rally, she wrote, “Given Chapman’s place as Deputy Convenor of a committee tasked with scrutinising laws associated to equalities, human rights and civil justice, it’s particularly regarding that she would publicly discredit a ruling of the UK’s highest court docket on such a delicate and legally important matter.
Protesters took to the streets of Scotland after the Supreme Court docket ruling
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“I consider these remarks to be incompatible with the standards of conduct expected of all MSPs and particularly of those in committee leadership positions.”
Reacting to the committee vote on X, former SNP MP Joanna Cherry KC mentioned, “Maggie Chapman saved by her personal vote and the committee convenor Karen Adam.
“Whatever happened to the principle that no one should be a judge in their own cause? This committee is not fit for purpose.”
Tess White, who instigated the vote, mentioned it was a “shameful day for equalities” after Ms Chapman refused a last alternative to apologise earlier than the committee vote.
