Mick Hartley

The state of Scotland:

Parents have been issued with a demand for £600 to cover the cost of hiring private security guards before a public debate over gender ideology in schools.

The group, Concerned Adults Talking Openly About Gender Identity Ideology, plans to hold a meeting at Portobello Library in Edinburgh on March 14 but it has prompted anger among trans activists who are trying to force its cancellation.

An earlier meeting was abandoned after an orchestrated campaign.

The parents’ group had hoped Edinburgh city council would defend their right to discuss their concerns and were stunned to be asked to pay for security guards.

Marie Mamulova, its spokeswoman, said: “The council is unreasonably trying to hold us responsible for the maintenance of public order in the face of threats of disturbance if the meeting goes ahead.

“If there is a small, unrepresentative group of troublemakers who are determined to prevent us from exercising our freedom of speech and freedom of association we should not have to pay to protect our rights.

“If there is any genuine threat to public order, we are the victims not the perpetrators and we should not have to pay a premium just to enjoy our rights as local residents.”

One member, Lisa Randall, described the decision as evidence that “undemocratic censorship of any criticism of belief in the existence of ‘gender identity’ is not being tackled by the council”.

She added: “We expected that our council would protect our democratic rights. It is entirely wrong that the council is claiming that the threat to public order is our responsibility.”

The police? Might the police perhaps do something to protect the women from the balaclava-clad masked thugs? 

Cammy Day, leader of Edinburgh city council, said: “When considering whether any proposed event should go ahead, we’re clear that everyone has the right to freedom of expression — but, equally, that this must be done within the law and in line with relevant public safety requirements. This applies to meeting attendees, council staff, potential protesters, library users and the wider community.

“For the purpose of this event, our public safety team have set out our requirements for it to go ahead safely and are awaiting a response from the organisers.”

It's grotesque.

If women want to meet up to discuss stuff the trans activists don't like, well, they've only themselves to blame for the bullying and intimidation. They shouldn't go round causing offence like this, stirring up trouble.

They're just asking for it.