THE Scottish Greens have responded to a clash between Scottish actor David Tennant and Business Secretary Kemi Badenoch.
While receiving an award for being a “celebrity ally” at the British LGBT+ Awards, the Doctor Who star hit out at the senior Tory in his speech.
He said she should “shut up” about LGBT+ rights in a move which was met with fury from both Badenoch and the Prime Minister.
Specifically, Tennant said: “I think I suppose if I’m honest, I’m a little depressed by the fact that acknowledging that everyone has the right to be who they want to be, and live their life how they want to live it as long as they’re not hurting anyone else, should merit any kind of special award or mention, because it’s common sense isn’t it?”
He added: “It is human decency. We shouldn’t live in a world where that is worth remarking on.
“However, until we wake up and Kemi Badenoch doesn’t exist anymore. I don’t wish ill of her. I just wish her to shut up.”
Reacting to the comments, Scottish Greens MSP Maggie Chapman told The National: “One of the highlights of election night will be seeing an end to Kemi Badenoch’s time as equalities minister.
“Even more important will be ensuring that we move on from the reactionary, bigoted and divisive anti-trans policies that she and her Tory colleagues represent.”
Badenoch has previously claimed it is “harmful” to teach that people can be born into a body which does not match their mind.
Chapman (below) added: “At the heart of this culture war are real people who are suffering a wave of hostility reminiscent of the darkest days of Section 28.
“They have had their lives and identities turned into political pawns by a cast of opportunistic right-wing politicians and people who should know better.”
However, the Greens MSP added that a “change in government alone is not enough” and that she has spoken to many trans people who are “very concerned about the prospect of a Keir Starmer premiership”.
We told earlier this week how the First Minister hit out at Starmer for being influenced by the “front pages of some newspapers” after the Labour leader said was opposed to “gender ideology” being taught in schools.
Chapman added: “He (Starmer) has opposed trans inclusive education and refused to commit to undoing the undemocratic Section 35 veto against the gender reform that Scotland’s parliament voted for.”
In December, a court ruled the UK Government could use a Section 35 order to prevent Scotland’s gender reforms from becoming law despite it being passed by two-thirds of MSPs in the Scottish Parliament.
Responding to Tennant’s comments, Badenoch said she would not “shut up” or be “silenced by men who prioritise applause from Stonewall over the safety of women and girls”.
David Tennant at the British LGBT Awards where he was presented with LGBT+ Celebrity Ally award ❤ :) #DavidTennanthttps://t.co/WYSf6n8Q0S pic.twitter.com/UKafhcNFPG
— FuckYeahGoodOmens (@FYeahGoodOmens) June 25, 2024
“A rich, lefty, white male celebrity so blinded by ideology he can’t see the optics of attacking the only black woman in government by calling publicly for my existence to end,” she said.
“Tennant is one of Labour’s celebrity supporters. This is an early example of what life will be like if they win.
“Keir Starmer (below) stood by while Rosie Duffield was hounded. He and his supporters will do the same with the country.
“Do not let the bigots and bullies win.”
Sunak meanwhile added: “Freedom of speech is the most powerful feature of our democracy.
“If you’re calling for women to shut up and wishing they didn’t exist, you are the problem.”
