The north-east’s newest Scottish Government minister Gillian Martin today apologised “unreservedly” for “inappropriate and offensive” remarks she made about transgender people.
It came after The Times today published excerpts of a now-deleted blog she wrote in 2007 in which she questioned if promoting transgender rights would lead to images of “hairy-knuckled, lipstick-wearing transitional laydees” appearing in colleges.
Ms Martin, who was made minister for further education, higher education and science yesterday in Nicola Sturgeon’s cabinet reshuffle, said the comments did not reflect her view when she wrote them on her blog.
I have released the following statement in regard to press interest today. pic.twitter.com/b2vmNKTxva
— Gillian Martin (@GillianMSP) June 28, 2018
The post, which has been deleted, said: “Are we going to see lovely photos in the foyer of hairy knuckled lipstick- wearing transitional transgender Laydees being embraced by the principal of undisclosed college or visiting politicians for the press? See, I told you I was going to get the sack. (Or is that what the gender reassignment surgeon gets when they do the operation?)”
In another post, about a gender identity survey for students, she wrote: “How much extra money will the undisclosed establishment get due to the fact that the EU clearly have a tranny trove? What will they use it for? Will they install a third category of loo with a special transgender sign?”
Ms Martin released a statement today in which she apologised for the comments.
She said: “In 2007 I wrote a blog that I deeply regret. I used language that was inappropriate and offensive. I expressed myself in a way that did not reflect my view then and certain does not reflect my view now.
“That is entirely my fault and I am sorry for it. That’s why, when this blog was last raised publicly two years ago, I apologised and I am more than happy to reservedly apologise again today.”
