For Women Scotland umbrella charge a 'threat' to free speech

A vandalism charge over a broken umbrella is a “threat” to feminist campaign group For Women Scotland (FWS), the Scottish Parliament has heard.

FWS director Susan Smith was reportedly accused of damaging an umbrella belonging to a counter-protester outside the Scottish Parliament last month, during an event which called on the Scottish Government to enforce single-sex spaces in the public sector.

The event happened on 4 September, when trans rights activist Tom Harlow played loud music, disrupting the FWS rally.

Police were in attendance and Smith was later reportedly offered a recorded warning at the incident, with the alternative of a vandalism charge if she declined the offer.

During First Minister's Questions, Tess White MSP questioned the actions of Police Scotland over the matter.

Addressing First Minister John Swinney, she said: “Police Scotland have ordered a director of For Women Scotland to attend the police station to face vandalism charges over a complaint about a broken umbrella. If she doesn't attend, she could be banned from Holyrood, a parliament that's supposed to represent her too.

“The optics, first minister, of this for the Scottish Government are terrible. To many people, this looks like a threat to free speech and an attempt to silence criticism, silence women and intimidate this particular organisation.

“Who is protecting who here?

“Does the first minister agree the police should be focused on much more serious incidents than a broken umbrella? And does he think Susan Smith should receive an immediate apology?”

Swinney responded: “Let me reassure Tess White that I believe in free speech and I think it should be protected at all times in our society. And secondly, I understand from media reports, and also from the contents of Tess White's question, that this is an issue which actively involves Police Scotland, and it would be inappropriate of me to comment on a case that is under active engagement with Police Scotland.

“If I was to do that on a habitual basis, I think there lots of members of parliament complaining.”

On Wednesday evening Police Scotland said it was reviewing its response to the umbrella complaint.

It said no decision will be taken until the review concludes.