Nicola Sturgeon has condemned a placard spotted at a trans rights rally in Glasgow which called for some feminists to be decapitated.
The First Minister was quizzed about the banner amid a growing row over the UK Government’s decision to block Holyrood legislation affecting trans people.
Hundreds of supporters of the Gender Recognition Reform (GRR) Bill - including several SNP MPs and MSPs - gathered in central Glasgow on Saturday to protest against the move by Tory Scottish Secretary Alister Jack.
In the background was a sign saying “decapitate TERFS” – referring to trans-exclusionary radical feminists – provoking criticism from Harry Potter author JK Rowling among others.
Questioned on the placard, Sturgeon said she had attended demos in the past where signs were displayed that did not align with her views.
She said: "Certainly, from the images I have seen, I think that was the case at the demonstration on trans rights on Saturday.
"The placards that I have seen in no way – absolutely no way shape or form – accord with my views and I would condemn the way in which those views were expressed and the views that were expressed there.
"And I don’t think it’s fair or credible to suggest that the elected representatives that were there in any way share or condone those views.”
She said she has also seen images about herself from demos against the Gender Recognition Reform Bill outside Holyrood that were “offensive… and completely unacceptable”.
The Scottish Parliament passed the Bill last month, which would make it easier for trans people to change their gender.
Reforms include scrapping the requirement for a medical diagnosis and lowering the age at which a trans person can obtain a gender recognition certificate from 18 to 16.
Alister Jack blocked the Bill from receiving Royal Assent by issuing a Section 35 order, arguing it would impact on UK-wide legislation.
Sturgeon has denied the claims.
Police Scotland has said it is investigating after reports into a sign at the rally.
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