A row has erupted at a University of Edinburgh building after a group of students attempted to stop a screening of a controversial film.
Adult Human Female, a documentary that is said to be a "clear attack on trans people's identities" was to be shown at the university on Wednesday evening before students occupied a lecture theatre in protest of the movie going ahead.
University bosses were previously criticised for allowing the screening to continue and refused to give in to pressure from staff unions to cancel the film, reports the Scottish Daily Express.
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Eventbrite, the online ticketing agency, has since withdrawn its billing, including the detail of the Edinburgh screening. The showing is being run by Edinburgh Academics for Academic Freedom (EAAF).
However, the University and College Union (UCU) wrote to the University of Edinburgh last week asking it to withdraw the use of a university venue for what it called a 'transphobic event',
Lisa Mackenize from MurrayBlackburn Mackenzie policy analysis collective, who was attending the screening said on Twitter: "I’ve turned up to the screening of Adult Human Female to participate in the discussion afterwards and a group of students has occupied the lecture theatre in a bid to stop the screening from going ahead."
Reality Matters, the production company behind the documentary, denies the film is transphobic.
It wrote on Twitter: 'The only time the film contains 'transphobic language' is when one of our interviewees is criticising transphobia.'
Its website said: 'In record time, the trans movement has captured the big institutions. The police, the political parties, the media, the universities and major corporations have taken up the cause in the name of inclusiveness.
'But is it really harmless when men identify into the female sex?'
A University of Edinburgh spokesperson said: "We support the right of people to protest but expect that right to be exercised lawfully and peacefully. As a result of safety concerns the event scheduled for this evening was unable to proceed.
“The University is committed to fostering an inclusive, supportive and safe environment for our whole community. As part of our commitment to freedom of expression and academic freedom it is our duty to make sure staff and students feel able to discuss controversial topics and that each event allows for debate.
“Given the size of our community, it is inevitable that the ideas of different members will conflict. We always encourage respectful debate and discussion whenever there are differences of view or opinion and ensure that attendees of all events are aware of, and comply with, the University's Dignity and Respect Policy, so that those wanting to attend feel able to contribute."
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