2 godzin temu
The Scottish Government has spent over £760,000 in a failed legal battle against women's rights campaigners. The battle ended with a £540,000 payout to the group that defeated them in court.
For Women Scotland (FWS) successfully challenged Scottish ministers at the Supreme Court in April. The group secured a landmark ruling that 'woman' in the Equality Act refers to biological sex. The total bill for the Scottish Government across two judicial reviews reached £766,498.80.
FWS will now use the settlement funds to pursue ongoing and future legal actions against the government, including a current judicial review challenging prison guidance.
Financial Breakdown
FWS incurred costs of £147,500 at the first judicial review in the Court of Session in Edinburgh. The Scottish Government spent £68,682.50. The case reached the Supreme Court, where Scottish ministers lost decisively.
Scottish ministers have now reached a 'full and final settlement' with FWS, paying out £540,000 to the campaigning group.
Political Fallout
Tess White, the Scottish Conservative equalities spokesperson, sharply criticized the government's handling of the case. She targeted John Swinney for refusing to accept the Supreme Court ruling.
The controversy continues as FWS deploys its newly acquired resources for further legal challenges to Scottish Government policies on sex and gender.
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
