On a point of order, Presiding Officer. I seek your guidance after Patrick Harvie MSP inappropriately suggested earlier today that I was dragging Scotland鈥檚 culture sector into 鈥淭ory transphobic culture wars鈥. His comments followed a question that I raised about Creative Scotland鈥檚 support for free speech after a member of staff attempted to stop bookshops stocking the work of gender-critical author Jenny Lindsay.
I ask, under rule 7.3.1 of the Parliament鈥檚 standing orders, whether describing gender-critical views as 鈥渢ransphobic鈥 is in line with the courteous and respectful manner that is expected of members in this chamber. It was disrespectful to the women and girls watching proceedings today. Those comments were shameful.
The Deputy Presiding Officers and I will always protect members鈥 rights to scrutinise and debate and to challenge each other robustly. Challenges to opinions and policy positions are perfectly in order. However, we will not accept members being personally insulting or disrespectful towards one another.
On a point of order, Presiding Officer. Further to that point of order, I seek reassurance and clarification that challenging transphobia and transphobic views in this chamber is not regarded as a personal insult to anyone.
I have ruled on the matter already and ask members always to ensure that they treat one another with courtesy and respect in this Parliament.
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