TO Edinburgh, where a large contingent of feminists have gathered to hear the Supreme Court’s verdict on For Women Scotland versus Scottish ministers.

Even before the judgment, the three women who brought this case on what it means to be a woman had achieved something remarkable.

Trina Budge, Susan Smith and Marion Calder didn’t belong to the political bubble that’s swollen around Holyrood. They had no political influence and no lobbying muscle.

Indeed, when the Gender Recognition Reform Bill, was proceeding through Holyrood, a large cohort of MSPs, influenced by very powerful and well-funded lobbying groups, moved hell and earth to ensure their voices and those of other feminist groups were barely heard in the consultation process.

When these women first attempted to organise resistance to the planned legislation they were forced to do so in secret. On those occasions when details were made public they faced protests – mainly from men – that often tipped into violent threat.

As the grassroots campaign gathered pace some of their opponents began acting like the Stasi in Cold War East Germany. Names were being taken and photographs published on social media. Venues, fearing a backlash over false allegations of transphobia, often cancelled meetings at the last minute.

The Stand Comedy Club attempted to do this with a Fringe event involving Joanna Cherry before being forced to back down when they realised that they were acting illegally.

Scotland’s politicians, elected to maintain democracy and freedom of expression, retreated when they........

© Herald Scotland