The very foundations of justice in Scotland appear to be cracking, with alarming reports suggesting that the protection afforded to our canine companions might now outstrip that given to vulnerable women. As a society, we entrust our lawmakers to uphold safety and fairness for all. But recent votes and legislative decisions at Holyrood raise profound questions about whose interests are truly being prioritised. This is not just about abstract legal principles; it’s about real-world consequences for those who need our system’s shield the most. Are we witnessing a dangerous shift where the law inadvertently, or perhaps intentionally, leaves women exposed while barking loudly for the rights of pets?
The Canine Conundrum: A Tale of Two Sentences
The latest flashpoint in Holyrood concerns a new law that could see dog thieves facing up to five years in prison. On the surface, this might seem like a robust stance against property crime. However, the timing and context of this legislation are raising serious eyebrows, particularly when juxtaposed with sentences handed down in cases of violence against women.
Read More: Scotland Faces Snow and Ice Warning
A recent report highlighted the stark contrast: a taxi driver, Jaswinder Singh, received a two-and-a-half-year sentence for the sexual assault of an 18-year-old girl in Falkirk.
This judicial outcome, seemingly lenient when compared to the potential penalty for stealing a dog, has sparked outrage. As one observer put it, "Something far wrong with Scottish politicians who pass a Scottish law that gives dogs more protection than women."
"Welcome to the SNP's Scotland, where 'dogs have more protection than women.'" (Scottish Daily Express, March 31, 2025)
This sentiment echoes a growing unease. Why the disparity? Does our legal system truly value the sanctity of a pet more than the physical and emotional safety of a woman? What underlying societal or political pressures could lead to such a perceived imbalance in legal priorities? Is this a deliberate legislative choice, or a deeply regrettable oversight?
Read More: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain Scores Winning Goal on Celtic Debut
Ash Regan: The Lone Voice in the Gender Recognition Storm
The narrative of perceived protection disparities is further complicated by the actions and outspokenness of Ash Regan, a former SNP minister. Her resignation and subsequent criticism of her own party over the Gender Recognition Reform (Scotland) Bill reveal deep divisions and raise questions about the SNP's commitment to women's rights.
Regan’s Departure: In November 2022, Regan resigned as community safety minister hours before a crucial vote on the Gender Recognition Act reforms. This was not a minor dissent; it was a public break over fundamental disagreements.
The Rebellion: She was one of nine SNP MSPs who refused to vote for the reforms, marking the largest rebellion against the party whip in over 15 years. This act of defiance signals a profound chasm within the ruling party.
Free Vote Denied: Regan challenged her party's leadership, specifically Nicola Sturgeon, by stating concerns had not been raised beforehand. She also criticised the SNP for denying its MSPs a free vote on an issue of such significance.
Read More: Hearts and Hibernian Play Match: Key Moments Explained
"I think that actually, that’s a strength and it’s not a weakness. It drives me as a person as well." (Ash Regan, on her stance during the Gender Recognition Act debate, inews.co.uk)
This event brings into sharp focus the question of whether the SNP's legislative agenda, particularly concerning gender reforms, adequately considers the concerns of women who fear it might erode existing protections. Were the voices of these dissenting MSPs genuinely heard, or were they steamrolled by party loyalty and political expediency? And how does the party reconcile its stated commitment to equality with such internal discord?
Sanctions and Silencing: The Case of Maggie Chapman
Adding another layer of complexity is the disciplinary action taken against Ash Regan herself. In January 2026, she faced a two-day suspension from Holyrood for breaching the MSP's Code of Conduct. The catalyst for this was her criticism of Maggie Chapman, deputy convener of Holyrood's equalities committee.
Read More: Jim Wallace, Lord Wallace of Tankerness, Dies at 71
Regan's Accusation: Regan formally reported Chapman to the Presiding Officer and Standards Committee, calling Chapman’s comments about the Supreme Court’s ruling on the Equality Act a "dangerous dismissal."
Chapman’s Stance: Chapman had apparently dismissed the Supreme Court's ruling, which dealt with issues surrounding gender identity and the Equality Act, as a "political attack," attracting criticism for allegedly undermining the law.
The Committee's Finding: The Standards, Procedures and Public Appointments Committee found Regan had broken the rule stating MSPs have a "duty to uphold the law, not undermine it."
"MSPs have a duty to uphold the law, not undermine it." (Standard rule cited in the Herald Scotland article)
This situation raises a critical question: Was Ash Regan being disciplined for a legitimate breach of conduct, or was she being punished for challenging a narrative or a political stance held by a powerful committee member? When a dissenting voice is sanctioned, does it send a chilling message to others who might wish to question the prevailing views within Holyrood, particularly on sensitive issues like gender and equality? How does this relate to the perceived lack of protection for women when challenging those in power?
The Prostitution Offences Bill: A Government Abdication?
The Scottish Government's decision not to support a bill aimed at criminalising the purchase of sex, presented by Ash Regan, further fuels the debate about protection for women. While the government cites concerns about enforcement and the risk of increased violence against sex workers, critics argue it amounts to abandoning a vital piece of legislation.
Government Position: Victims and Community Safety Minister Siobhian Brown stated the government supports the principle of criminalising sex buying but has "significant concerns with the provisions as drafted" and is "very aware that there are women in prostitution who have said that this bill as drafted will lead to them being at a higher risk of violence."
Regan's Bill: Ash Regan's bill seeks to criminalise those who pay for sex, an approach often referred to as the "Nordic model."
Timing and Amendments: The government has claimed there isn't "enough time to amend" the bill, despite a crunch vote. This raises questions about the real urgency and political will behind tackling sex buying.
| Bill Aspect | Scottish Government Stance | Ash Regan's Bill Intent |
|---|---|---|
| Criminalise Sex Buying | Supports the principle, but has "significant concerns" with draft. | Aims to criminalise the purchaser of sex. |
| Enforcement Concerns | Yes, particularly regarding increased violence against sex workers. | Implied by the focus on purchaser. |
| Support for Bill | Will NOT support the bill as drafted. | The proposer, seeking support for its passage. |
| Amendment Time | Claims insufficient time for amendments. | Not explicitly stated, but passage is key. |
"The Scottish government has concluded that whilst we support the fundamental principle of criminalising the purchase of sex, we still retain significant concerns with the provisions as drafted in the bill…" (Siobhian Brown, Victims and Community Safety Minister, via BBC News)
This stance is met with strong opposition. The Bishops’ Conference of Scotland has urged the government to back the bill, and Scottish Labour has indicated support. The question for the government is clear: If not this bill, then what concrete steps are being taken to dismantle the demand side of the sex industry and protect vulnerable individuals from exploitation and violence? Is the government’s stated concern for sex workers genuine, or is it a convenient reason to avoid a politically contentious issue and maintain the status quo?
The Echoes of Gender Reform Debates
The controversies surrounding the Gender Recognition Act and the Prostitution Offences Bill are not isolated incidents. They echo the highly charged debates and protests that have previously occurred within Holyrood, particularly concerning the Gender Recognition Reform Bill.
Protest and Disruption: In December 2022, protests saw individuals removed from the Scottish Parliament chamber as MSPs debated amendments to the Gender Recognition Reform (Scotland) Bill.
International Scrutiny: UN experts, including Victor Madrigal-Borloz (on gender identity) and Reem Alsalem (on violence against women), spoke to MSPs ahead of the debate, indicating the international significance and sensitivity of the legislation.
Lengthy Debates: The marathon sessions and intense discussions highlighted the deep divisions and passionate arguments surrounding these reforms.
"Protesters removed from the Scottish Parliament chamber as MSPs vote down gender reform amendment at Holyrood." (STV News, December 20, 2022)
These events demonstrate a pattern: significant legislative proposals concerning gender and safety spark intense public and political debate, often revealing deep-seated disagreements. The question remains: Does Holyrood's legislative process effectively balance the rights and concerns of all parties involved, particularly women who have expressed anxieties about potential impacts on their safety and legal sex-based rights? How do these ongoing debates, often framed in terms of rights and protections, connect to the perception that animal welfare is now being prioritised over women's safety?
Conclusion: A Call for Transparency and Re-evaluation
The threads connecting a proposed harsh penalty for dog thieves to the perceived inadequate protection for women against sexual assault, coupled with internal SNP divisions over gender reform, and the government's reluctance to criminalise sex buyers, paint a worrying picture. It begs the fundamental question: Is the Scottish justice system, under the current leadership, failing to adequately safeguard women?
The sanctions against Ash Regan for questioning another MSP’s comments on the Equality Act ruling, while the government hesitates on a bill to curb sex buying, suggest a skewed sense of priority. The legislative framework, from sentences for assault to the protection of sex workers, appears to be in urgent need of critical re-evaluation.
Moving forward, several key areas demand immediate attention:
Legislative Clarity: A transparent review of sentencing guidelines and the justification for differential penalties for crimes against humans versus animals is crucial.
Women's Rights Prioritisation: A clear, actionable commitment from the Scottish Government to address the specific concerns raised by women's rights organisations regarding legislative impacts.
Prostitution Offences Bill: A genuine engagement with the merits of Ash Regan's bill, or the development of an alternative, robust strategy to tackle the demand for prostitution and protect vulnerable individuals.
Freedom of Speech and Dissent: Ensuring that MSPs can raise legitimate concerns without fear of disproportionate sanction or reprisal.
The perception that "dogs have more protection than girls" is not merely a sensational headline; it represents a deep-seated concern about justice and societal values. It is time for Holyrood to address these anxieties head-on with concrete action, not just rhetoric, and reaffirm its commitment to the safety and dignity of all its citizens.
Sources:
Scottish Daily Express: "Welcome to the SNP's Scotland, where 'dogs have more protection than women'" - https://www.scottishdailyexpress.co.uk/comment/welcome-snps-scotland-dogs-more-34966675 (Published: Mar 31, 2025)
inews: "Former SNP minister Ash Regan hits out at party over Gender Recognition Act reforms" - https://inews.co.uk/news/scotland/former-snp-minister-ash-regan-gender-recognition-act-reforms-1946908 (Published: Nov 1, 2022)
Herald Scotland: "MSPs vote to suspend Ash Regan for two days over Code of Conduct breach" - https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/25745137.ash-regan-suspended-holyrood-code-conduct-ruling/ (Published: Jan 6, 2026)
BBC News: "Scottish government confirms it will not back prostitution offences bill" - https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c8rm6nr4zrro (Published: 2 days ago - as of user input)
Daily Record: "SNP Government will 'not support' plan to criminalise sex buying in crunch vote" - https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/politics/snp-government-not-support-plan-36655472 (Published: 2 days ago - as of user input)
STV News: "Gender reform debate delayed as protesters removed following amendment" - https://news.stv.tv/scotland/protesters-removed-from-scottish-parliament-as-msps-vote-down-gender-reform-amendment-at-holyrood (Published: Dec 20, 2022)
Scottish Daily Express: "Ash Regan to be banned from Holyrood after criticising Maggie Chapman" - https://www.scottishdailyexpress.co.uk/news/politics/ash-regan-banned-holyrood-two-36421580 (Published: Dec 18, 2025 - Note: Status marked as Low Priority in input, and content extraction failed, but title is relevant to the narrative)
