Scottish Tory claims trans people have ‘learning disabilities’ | UK News
A Scottish Tory has apologized after suggesting there is a link between trans people and people with learning disabilities.
In a now-deleted tweet that became a lightning rod of criticism on Friday, MSP Stephen Kerr criticized the government’s gender recognition reform bill.
The application – happened by Holyrood in December but was crushed by Westminster weeks later – made it easier for trans Scots to legally change their gender.
A majority of Tory MPs voted against the law, which Nicola Sturgeon’s successor, First Minister Humza Yousaf, has vowed to fight for.
Kerr, representing central Scotland, tweeted: “The arrival of a new First Minister brought an opportunity to review the Gender Reform Bill and raise issues Sturgeon has not addressed.
“Why do more and more young people want to change their gender? Is there an association with learning/developmental disabilities?’
“But they don’t care.”
The reaction was quick. Politicians and people alike have criticized Kerr, with some pointing out that Kerr provided no evidence whatsoever to support his claim.
The Scottish National Party (SNP) Councilor for Westhill and District Fatima Joji wrote: “Words fail me. Look at the second paragraph. Is he real?’
Rhonda Miller, from Dundee, added: “Anyone who thinks @ScotTories would take a look at Stephen Kerr over his appalling tweet is mistaking them for a party that has integrity and decency at its core.”
Lucille McGhee, who lives in Paisley, said: “Stephen Kerr should step down from his seat as MSP.
“He is a stain on the values of a modern, inclusive, progressive Scotland.”
Amid the backlash, Kerr deleted the tweet and sent a new one, which read: “Change of First Secretary gave @ScotGov an opportunity to review the Gender Reform Bill and raise issues not previously addressed.
“Most importantly, ScotGov may reconsider its opposition to some very sensible opposition amendments. But it didn’t happen.’
Daniel Wilkes, a Carnoustie doctor, replied: ‘We all saw your first try with this Stephen. As a specialist in the mental health of people with learning disabilities, let me get this straight.
“The answer to your question is no. That’s before we consider the morality of your using people with LD as cannon fodder in your culture war.’
Kerr, the Scottish Conservatives’ education spokesman, apologized today for the first tweet he claimed was written by one of his staff.
“The tweet was written in a hurry by a member of my team and then deleted as it does not reflect my views.”
However, Joji was also less than impressed with Kerr’s apology.
“Not good enough,” she tweeted, “and it sounds very good for Stephen Kerr to say something like that.”
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