Campaigners have demanded that an MP apologise for accusing a women’s group of having a “fascist agenda”. Liberal Democrat MP Ben Maguire deleted his account on X, formerly Twitter, hours after taking aim at For Women Scotland in an early morning social media post.
In response to the group, who were responsible for April’s landmark supreme court ruling on biological sex, the MP said: “I’ve spent my life defending women’s rights – most recently on the [Commons’ Home Affairs Select Committee] looking at violence against women and girls. Guessing that doesn’t fit with your fascist agenda though.”
In the post at 12.57am, the Lib Dem’s shadow attorney general continued: “I must be the enemy of the people as I said in my speech our public discourse now is black or white and right or wrong – what a sad indictment on humanity.”
JK Rowling earlier this week hit back at the MP who claimed she had revealed a desperation for “attention and relevance” by being outspoken on trans issues.
The Harry Potter author mocked Mr Maguire over his comments in the House of Commons the previous night.
Speaking in a debate to mark Pride Month, Mr Maguire singled out Rowling for criticism as he attacked those who had “poisoned the public discourse”.
The author said it was “like being savaged by a dead sheep” after Mr Maguire’s criticisms of Rowling were shared on social media.
Chair of Liberal Voice for Women Dr Zoe Hollowood, who represents a group of Liberal Democrat members campaigning for women’s sex-based rights, said: “Ben’s comments were unfortunate saying For Women Scotland had a fascist agenda. Hopefully he has reconsidered these remarks and will issue a full apology in time.”
In April, the Supreme Court unanimously ruled that “woman” and “sex” in the Equality Act 2010 refers to biological sex.
This means that only people who are born female should be protected from discrimination as a woman under the Act in a landmark ruling.
It followed a series of challenges brought by For Women Scotland over the definition of a “woman” in Scottish legislation.
The Liberal Democrats have been contacted for comment.
