Nicola Sturgeon says “There are forces on the far right who have weaponised" trans rights

Nicola Sturgeon has spoken out in defence of trans rights, warning that far-right groups are deliberately weaponising the debate to roll back hard-won progress on equality. In interviews promoting her memoir Frankly, the former First Minister of Scotland expressed deep concern about the way trans people are being targeted and misrepresented in political discourse.

“There are forces on the far right who have weaponised this issue,” Sturgeon told BBC Breakfast. “They are not just attacking trans rights - they are using this as a wedge to undermine broader human rights, including those of women, LGBTQ+ people and minorities.” She stressed that while some critics of gender reform may be sincere, others are aligned with regressive ideologies that seek to erode civil liberties.

Sturgeon’s comments come in the wake of the UK Government’s decision to block Scotland’s Gender Recognition Reform (GRR) Bill, which aimed to make it easier for trans people to legally change their gender. The bill, passed by the Scottish Parliament, would have reduced the age threshold to 16 and removed the need for a medical diagnosis - reforms widely supported by LGBTQ+ advocacy groups.

They are not just attacking trans rights - they are using this as a wedge to undermine broader human rights, including those of women, LGBTQ+ people and minorities.

The former First Minister acknowledged the challenges of navigating such a polarised debate, especially following the Isla Bryson case. However, she reiterated her belief that trans rights and women’s rights are not in conflict. “I’ve been a feminist all my life,” she said. “Supporting trans people does not diminish women’s rights - in fact, it strengthens our collective fight for dignity, safety, and equality.”

Sturgeon also revealed that the hostility she faced over trans rights contributed to her decision to step down in 2024. “Trans people are being used as a political football,” she said at the Charleston Literary Festival. “The abuse I received over this issue was more intense than anything else in my career.”

Despite the backlash, Sturgeon remains resolute. “We must not allow the far right to dictate the terms of this debate,” she said. “Trans people deserve respect, recognition, and the freedom to live their lives authentically.”