The Scottish government's shelving of a new law to criminalise misogyny is a part of a wider retreat in the face of "anti-woke" sentiment, a leading lawyer says. Baroness Helena Kennedy KC led an independent expert group that called for new criminal offences directly targeting prejudice and contempt for women. But Ministers say there is not enough time to draw up the new law before the 2026 Holyrood election, following therecent Supreme Court judgement on the definition of a woman. Baroness Kennedy told BBC Scotland News: "I think the Scottish government thinks this is going to be too much of a headache." She said the misogyny bill had been about treating women with respect, dignity and as people entitled to "the same equality and safety in the streets as men". However, she accepted the government would want to reflect on the Supreme Court ruling which she said had created some uncertainty. Former first minister Nicola Sturgeon had committed to the introduction of the bill on the recommendation of a working group chaired by Baroness Kennedy. The proposals included new offences such as stirring up hatred against women and misogynistic harassment. Such prejudice would also have been treated as an aggravating factor that could lead to tougher sentencing. On Friday, ministers announced there was not enough time to draw up the complex legislation after the recent Supreme Court ruling that a woman is defined by biological sex under equality law. Instead, the Scottish government will amend existing hate crime legislation in September, to make sex a protected characteristic. Speaking toBBC Scotland's Drivetime,Baroness Kennedy said she was disappointed but not surprised by the decision. "We are seeing a retreat from some of these areas that are being characterised as 'woke'," she said. She said actions to address harassment and violence against women, and other groups facing discrimination were increasingly perceived as political correctness. "I think the Scottish government just thinks this is going to be too much of a headache," she said. She said including assaults against trans women into a new misogyny law would now require "a rethink". Earlier, John Swinney said his government was committed to ensuring people were protected for misogynistic abuse. But the first minister said it was navigating issues arising from the Supreme Court ruling, and the quickest way to do this now was to amend hate crime law. "What action we can take is action we can take during this parliamentary term to tackle misogyny and that's what the government will do," he said. The Scottish government under Nicola Sturgeon had previously rejected that approach. They insteadasked Baroness Kennedy's expert group to examine whether gaps in the law required separate legislation. Scottish Conservative deputy leader Rachael Hamilton MSP said the misogyny bill was the latest in a "litany of paused, ditched or botched" policies from Sturgeon's time as first minister. Scottish Labour described it as a "screeching U-turn" and a "shameful broken promise" while the Scottish Lib Dems said it was a mistake. Ministers are also shelving plans for a bill to ban "conversion therapy" for sexual orientation or gender identity. Instead they are urging the Labour government at Westminster to legislate for England, Scotland and Wales on the issue - but if this does not happen, has promised to legislate within a year of the SNP forming a government after the Holyrood vote. BIlls on misogyny and conversion therapy were both part of the Bute House Agreement with the Scottish Greens which ended in April 2024. The party's equalities spokesperson Maggie Chapman said the decision not to proceed with them in the current parliament was a "shameful backward step".
Dropping misogyny law is sign of wider retreat - Baroness
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Scottish Government Shelves Misogyny Law Amid Political Shifts"
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TruthLens AI Summary
The decision by the Scottish government to shelve a proposed law aimed at criminalizing misogyny has been described as indicative of a broader retreat influenced by growing 'anti-woke' sentiment, according to Baroness Helena Kennedy KC, who led an expert group advocating for the legislation. The proposed law aimed to introduce new criminal offenses targeting misogyny, including stirring up hatred against women and addressing misogynistic harassment. However, the government cited time constraints as a reason for not proceeding with the legislation before the upcoming 2026 Holyrood election, particularly after a recent Supreme Court ruling that defined a woman based on biological sex under equality law. Baroness Kennedy expressed her disappointment, noting that the bill was intended to ensure women are treated with respect and dignity, and she acknowledged the impact of the Supreme Court ruling on the government's decision-making process.
In addition to the misogyny bill, the Scottish government has also decided to pause plans for legislation banning conversion therapy related to sexual orientation and gender identity. Instead, they are advocating for Westminster to take action on this issue, with a commitment to legislate if no progress is made at the UK level. Critics, including members of the Scottish Labour and Conservative parties, have labeled the shelving of these bills as a significant retreat from previous commitments made under former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon. The current government, led by First Minister John Swinney, maintains that while they are committed to addressing misogynistic abuse, the complexity of the proposed legislation and the implications of the Supreme Court ruling necessitate a reevaluation of their approach. This shift has drawn criticism from various political parties, who view it as a failure to protect vulnerable groups and a departure from progressive legislative efforts in Scotland.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article discusses the Scottish government's decision to shelve a proposed law aimed at criminalizing misogyny, reflecting a broader retreat from progressive reforms amid rising "anti-woke" sentiments. Baroness Helena Kennedy, a key figure advocating for the legislation, positioned this retreat as indicative of a troubling trend against addressing women’s rights and safety.
Societal Implications of the Decision
The shelving of the misogyny bill could create a perception that the Scottish government is not fully committed to advancing gender equality and protecting women against discrimination and violence. The decision seems to align with a growing backlash against measures perceived as politically correct, potentially alienating women and activists who advocate for stronger protections. This retreat can foster a sense of disillusionment among those who fought for these reforms, suggesting that societal progress on gender issues may be stalling.
Political Calculus
The government's reasoning for postponing the bill, citing time constraints due to a recent Supreme Court ruling, raises questions about political motives. This suggests a prioritization of electoral considerations over legislative commitments. The timing before the 2026 Holyrood election indicates a cautious approach to avoid controversy that could be detrimental to political support.
Comparison with Other Legislative Trends
When examined alongside other recent political developments, this decision reflects a broader trend across various regions where progressive legislation is being challenged or halted. The trend is often characterized by a reactionary stance against movements perceived as radical or overly progressive. This could point to a shift in public sentiment that political leaders may be wary of ignoring, potentially aligning with similar narratives in other jurisdictions.
Public Perception and Trust
There is a risk that this decision will lead to a decline in public trust in government institutions, especially among marginalized groups advocating for equality. The framing of the decision as a retreat from "wokeness" may also polarize public opinion, with some viewing it as a necessary correction while others see it as a regression.
Potential Economic and Social Consequences
In the longer term, failing to address misogyny legally could have negative impacts on social cohesion and economic growth. Societal safety and equality are often correlated with economic stability and growth, so neglecting these issues may hinder Scotland's social progress and economic opportunities for women.
Support Base and Target Audience
This article may resonate more with feminist groups, gender equality advocates, and individuals concerned about social justice. Conversely, it might also appeal to segments of the population that favor a less progressive agenda, framing the issue as a matter of political correctness versus common sense.
Impact on Financial Markets
While the immediate financial impact may be limited, the broader implications of social unrest or dissatisfaction could affect market stability indirectly, especially in sectors concerned with social responsibility and equality. Stakeholders in industries focusing on diversity and inclusion may view this political decision as a risk factor.
Global Context
The article's themes reflect ongoing global debates about gender rights and the backlash against progressive movements. This decision aligns with similar trends in other countries, highlighting a contentious global landscape regarding women's rights and social justice.
Use of AI in Article Composition
It is unlikely that AI has been directly involved in the article's writing, as the language and tone reflect a human editorial style focused on social issues. However, if AI were used, it might influence the framing of arguments or the emphasis on specific statistics or trends, potentially guiding the narrative toward a particular interpretation of the events.
In conclusion, the decision to shelve the misogyny law signals a significant political shift that could have lasting implications for women's rights in Scotland. The framing of this issue within the context of "anti-woke" sentiment suggests an ongoing struggle between progressive advocacy and conservative backlash. The reliability of this article is high, as it cites credible sources and presents direct quotes from key figures involved, enabling readers to understand the complexities of the situation.