London Daily

Focus on the big picture.
Wednesday, Jul 02, 2025

SNP leadership: Kate Forbes would not have backed gender bill

SNP leadership: Kate Forbes would not have backed gender bill

SNP leadership candidate Kate Forbes has said she would not have voted for the Scottish government's gender reform bill in its current form.

The finance secretary told BBC Scotland she had "significant concerns" about self-identification.

She earlier confirmed her bid to take over from Nicola Sturgeon, who last week announced her resignation as party leader and first minister.

Health Secretary Humza Yousaf and ex-minister Ash Regan are also standing.

In her BBC interview Ms Forbes also vowed to defend the right to same sex marriage even though it clashed with her personal views as a member of the Free Church of Scotland.

Recent months have seen controversy over the Gender Recognition Bill, which aims to make it easier for people in Scotland to change their legally recognised gender.

The legislation was approved by the Scottish Parliament in December.

But the UK government said it would block the legislation, arguing that it would conflict with equality protections applying across Great Britain.

Ms Sturgeon described this as a "full-frontal attack" on the Scottish Parliament and said ministers would defend the bill.

However, Ms Forbes told the BBC she would be "loath to challenge" the UK government's decision.

The gender reform bill sparked a heated debate

"I understand the principle here, which is that the UK government should not overturn Scottish legislation.

"That is an important principle which I hold to.

"But I think on this... seek legal advice and recognise it is not a priority right now for the people of Scotland, who are focused on other things."

Ms Forbes said she had "significant concerns" about self-identification, and would not have been able to vote for the bill in its current form.

She said there should now be an "adult conversation" with the UK government about how the bill could be amended.

Asked in her BBC interview if someone should simply be able to declare they are a woman if they were born a biological male, she replied: "I don't think self-identification is sufficient."

Ms Forbes, who was on maternity leave when the gender reform vote took place in parliament, said people she has spoken to wanted to focus on the NHS, the cost of living crisis and making the case for independence.

During her BBC interview Ms Forbes was asked whether a man should be able to marry another man.

She said: "Equal marriage is a legal right and therefore I would defend that legal commitment.

"Incidentally though I would hope that others can defend the rights of other minorities, including religious minorities that might take a different view."

The Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch MSP said there was a distinction to be made between personal morality and practice - and a person's political responsibilities as a lawmaker.

Ms Forbes added: "In terms of the morality of the issue I am a practising Christian and I practice the teachings of most mainstream religions - whether that is Islam, Judaism or Christianity - that marriage is between a man and a woman. But that's what I practice.

"As a servant of democracy in a country where there is law I would defend to the hilt your right and anybody else's right to live and to love without harassment or fear."


'Major crossroads'


Ms Forbes said the SNP needed "a reset" over its strategy for independence, which she said has been "largely determined by a few people".

She also said she has the "vision, the experience and the competence" to inspire voters within the party and across the country.

Ms Forbes previously said that Scotland and the Yes movement were at "a major crossroads".

"I cannot sit back and watch our nation thwarted on the road to self-determination. Our small, independent neighbours enjoy wealthier, fairer, and greener societies - and so can we," she said.

Ash Regan has confirmed her intention to stand in the contest


Leadership candidate Ash Regan has been an outspoken critic of the gender reform legislation, quitting her role as community safety minister in protest before it was approved by Holyrood.

However, Humza Yousaf promised to stand by the legislation and challenge the UK government's order blocking the bill.

He said: "There's the principle of the Section 35 order, which I think we have to defend the Scottish Parliament against.

"But on the issue more broadly, I'd be keen to work with those who have got real concerns.

"Let's engage with them. Let's try to bring them around the table. Let's not let this issue define us as a movement."

Health Secretary Humza Yousaf has launched his leadership campaign


Speaking at the launch of his leadership campaign in Clydebank on Monday, Mr Yousaf said he would focus on the policies of independence, not the process.

He added that he was "not wedded" to the idea of a de facto referendum.

Earlier, Constitution Secretary Angus Robertson ruled himself out of the leadership race.

He said: "As the father of two very young children the time is not right for me and my family to take on such a huge commitment."

Candidates have until Friday to secure 100 nominations from at least 20 local branches to secure their place on the ballot. The winner is due to be announced on 27 March.

Newsletter

Related Articles

0:00
0:00
Close
Poland Implements Border Checks Amid Growing Migration Tensions
Political Dispute Escalates Between Trump and Musk
Emirates Airline Expands Market Share with New $20 Million Campaign
Amazon Reaches Milestone with Deployment of One Millionth Robot
US Senate Votes to Remove AI Regulation Moratorium from Domestic Policy Bill
Yulia Putintseva Calls for Spectator Ejection at Wimbledon Over Safety Concerns
Jury Deliberations in Diddy Trial Yield Partial Verdict in Serious Criminal Charges
House Oversight Committee Subpoenas Former Jill Biden Aide Amid Investigation into Alleged Concealment of President Biden's Cognitive Health
King Charles Plans Significant Role for Prince Harry in Coronation
Two Chinese Nationals Arrested for Espionage Activities Against U.S. Navy
Amazon Reaches Major Automation Milestone with Over One Million Robots
Extreme Heat Wave Sweeps Across Europe, Hitting Record Temperatures
Meta Announces Formation of Ambitious AI Unit, Meta Superintelligence Labs
Robots Compete in Football Tournament in China Amid Injuries
Trump Administration Considers Withdrawal of Funding for Hospitals Providing Gender Treatment to Minors
Texas Enacts Law Allowing Gold and Silver Transactions
China Unveils Miniature Insect-Like Surveillance Drone
OpenAI Secures Multimillion-Dollar AI Contracts with Pentagon, India, and Grab
Marc Marquez Claims Victory at Dutch Grand Prix Amidst Family Misfortune
Germany Votes to Suspend Family Reunification for Asylum Seekers
Elon Musk Critiques Senate Budget Proposal Over Job Losses and Strategic Risks
Los Angeles Riots ended with Federal Investigations into Funding
Budapest Pride Parade Draws 200,000 Participants Amid Government Ban
Southern Europe Experiences Extreme Heat
Xiaomi's YU7 SUV Launch Garners Record Pre-Orders Amid Market Challenges
Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez's Lavish Wedding in Venice
Russia Launches Largest Air Assault on Ukraine Since Invasion
Education Secretary Announces Overhaul of Complaints System Amid Rising Parental Grievances
Massive Anti-Government Protests Erupt in Belgrade
Trump Ends Trade Talks with Canada Over Digital Services Tax
UK Government Softens Welfare Reform Plans Amid Labour Party Rebellion
Labour Faces Rebellion Over Disability Benefit Reforms Ahead of Key Vote
Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez Host Lavish Wedding in Venice Amid Protests
Trump Asserts Readiness for Further Strikes on Iran Amid Nuclear Tensions
North Korea to Open New Beach Resort to Boost Tourism Economy
UK Labour Party Faces Internal Tensions Over Welfare Reforms
Andrew Cuomo Hints at Potential November Comeback Amid Democratic Primary Results
Curtis Sliwa Champions His Vision for New York City Amid Rising Crime Concerns
Federal Reserve Proposes Changes to Capital Rule Affecting Major Banks
EU TO HUNGARY: LET THEM PRIDE OR PREP FOR SHADE. ORBÁN TO EU: STAY IN YOUR LANE AND FIX YOUR OWN MESS.
Trump Escalates Criticism of Media Over Iran Strike Coverage
Trump Announces Upcoming US-Iran Meeting Amid Controversial Airstrikes
Trump Moves to Reshape Middle East Following Israel-Iran Conflict
Big Four Accounting Firms Fined in Exam Cheating Scandal
NATO Members Agree to 5% Defense Spending Target by 2035
Australia's Star Casino Secures $195 Million Rescue Package Amid Challenges
UK to Enhance Nuclear Capabilities with Acquisition of F-35A Fighter Jets
Russian Shadow Payments via Cryptocurrency Reach $9 Billion
Explosions Rock Doha as Iranian Missiles Target Qatar
“You Have 12 Hours to Flee”: Israeli Threat Campaign Targets Surviving Iranian Officials
×