Scottish parliament criticised after removing gender filter from site as trans MSPs elected
Iris Duane and Q Manivannan of the Scottish Green Party (Scottish Parliament)
The Scottish parliament has caused controversy among gender-critical groups after removing the “gender” category from its site, following two trans MSPs being elected.
During the 7 May local elections, Dr Q Manivannan, who uses they/them pronouns, and Iris Duane, became the first trans MSPs, both for the Scottish Green Party.
The Scottish Parliament website allows users to search through current and previous MSPs, with a number of filters including their party or constituency, among others.
Previously, it also included a drop-down for gender, with male or female as the options. After Manivannan was elected, an option for non-binary was added to the drop-down list to accommodate.
This, and the fact that Duane, who is a trans woman, was listed in the female category, drew criticism from some gender-critical groups.
The gender drop-down filter was subsequently removed from the site some time around 18 May.
But this caused more complaints, as it therefore removed information about the gender balance in Scottish parliament.
A Scottish Parliament spokesperson told Holyrood: “As part of the Inclusive Parliament Review, our systems and processes are currently under review. The online filter function on our website is a legacy system and we have taken steps to remove it. The review will also consider what personal information on members we need to publish and in what format.”
Critics have argued the removal of the option means female MSPs are not being counted or being made visible. The website still lists current and previous MSPs, including female MSPs.
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