The latest controversy emerging from Scotland reveals a troubling development in the ongoing conflict surrounding gender rights and activism. The spotlight has turned to Susan Smith of For Women Scotland (FWS), who finds herself under investigation by Police Scotland. The alleged offense? Supposedly damaging a rainbow umbrella belonging to Tom Harlow, a well-known trans activist affiliated with Scotland’s Cabaret Against The Hate Speech.

Earlier this year, FWS made headlines by championing a legal case that reached the Supreme Court, resulting in a landmark decision that aimed to provide clearer definitions and protections for women and girls across the UK. This victory was hailed as a significant step toward ensuring safety and clarity on gender issues.

However, the current situation paints a stark contrast to that triumph. Police Scotland’s involvement in this seemingly minor incident raises questions about the priorities and direction of law enforcement in the region. Critics argue that such actions demonstrate a concerning shift in focus, suggesting that the country’s governance has become increasingly fraught with controversy.

The incident in question reportedly occurred during a demonstration outside Holyrood last month. Harlow was part of a group protesting against FWS, using loud music to disrupt their message. A video circulating on social media captures a moment where Smith approaches Harlow to request a reduction in volume, only to be met with an aggressive gesture involving the umbrella.

This episode has further fueled the debate over freedom of speech and the tactics employed by both sides of the gender activism spectrum. As the dust settles, it remains to be seen how this incident will influence public perception and policy in Scotland moving forward.

There is even a video of Smith approaching Harlow to ask if he could turn down the music and him responding by shoving his umbrella in her face.

Smith then moved it away from her face and this, according to Harlow, damaged his umbrella.

As a consequence, Smith must attend a police station next week where she will be charged with vandalism. This is a state-sanctioned punishment against Smith. It is public humiliation.

For Women Scotland’s Susan Smith and trans activist Tom Harlow

Tom Harlow flanked by Police Scotland officers

Leading feminist and writer Julie Bindel

The government and police capitulation to these pro-trans bullies shames Scotland.

Misogyny, wrapped in a rainbow cloak, has become enshrined throughout Scottish society by its senior public servants.

SNP First Minister John Swinney needs to act now or forever lose what little faith is left in his government. Stop kowtowing to these trans activists and send out a clear message that you are governing a democracy, not an authoritarian state ruled by Queer Isis.

And as for Police Scotland, Jo Farrell was appointed as the first female Chief Constable last year and yet misogyny is thriving north of the Border. 

There was not one female-only rape and sexual assault support service in all of Scotland until JK Rowling founded and funded Beira’s Place.

These were the things that I, as a young feminist in the 1980s, fought to set up and Scotland is attempting to dismantle.

Scotland is a laughing stock. The Susan Smith case will be a gift to Reform, and the Labour Party is nowhere to be seen when it comes to sorting out this mess.

Even those who believe trans women are women should be appalled at this state-sponsored intimidation by a trans activist, supported by a police service that is happy to waste its own time and taxpayers’ money.

I know and respect Smith, who represented FWS last month at the FiLiA conference in Brighton – the largest annual feminist conference in Europe. 

She was there to receive the Emma Humphreys Memorial Prize, awarded to a woman or group whose campaigning against male violence is outstanding. She received a standing ovation.

Smith, along with her colleagues in FWS, should be given a medal not a police warning or court date.

I can well imagine how Smith feels after this. It doesn’t matter how tough, resilient and brave the women targeted by these bullies are, being repeatedly hounded has a dreadful effect on our wellbeing.

Over the 21 years that trans activists have targeted me, I have endured some very dark moments.

The Scottish Government, police and other institutions that have bent over backwards to protect these sadistic bullies are cowards.

Allowing this aggressive movement to instil such fear and intimidation in women who are doing nothing except trying to maintain our basic rights is a stain on the country.