Calls for Lib Dem MP to apologise after ‘fascist’ remark in trans row | Politics | News
Campaigners have demanded that an MP apologise for accusing a womenโs group of having a “fascist agendaโ. 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 Aprilโs landmark supreme court ruling on biological sex, the MP said: โIโve spent my life defending womenโs rights – most recently on the [Commonsโ Home Affairs Select Committee] looking at violence against women and girls. Guessing that doesnโt fit with your fascist agenda though.”
In the post at 12.57am, the Lib Demโs shadow attorney general continued: โI 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.โ
When approached by the Express, Mr Maguire said: โI regret that comment which was made in the heat of the moment.
โThis whole debate has become quite toxic, so I felt it best to step away from X for a while.โ
JK Rowling earlier this week hit back at the MP who claimed she had revealed a desperation for โattention and relevanceโ 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 โpoisoned the public discourseโ.
The author said it was โlike being savaged by a dead sheepโ 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 womenโs sex-based rights, said: โBenโs 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.โ
In April, the Supreme Court unanimously ruled that โwomanโ 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 โwomanโ in Scottish legislation.
The Liberal Democrats have been contacted for comment.
