On the front page in the Herald today, a story going nowhere. They tried to make much of it, front page and bigger on October 12:
and:
This is nonsense, the Herald knows it’s nonsense and so will the SNP’s advisers.
Parties retain substantial control over their own conferences, agendas, and who they platform. Fringe events are typically subject to approval and are not the same as membership rights.
Political parties are expressive associations. They control their own conferences, agendas, and who they platform. Fringe events are not the same as open commercial venue hire; they form part of the party’s internal political activity. The Equality Act’s association provisions (Part 7) mainly protect members, prospective members, and associates regarding access to benefits/facilities/services. External organisations do not enjoy the same rights. https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2010/15/section/101/enacted/data.xht?view=snippet&wrap=true
The SNP’s stated reason (member comfort and that the initial approval was wrong) gives it a defence on the crucial “reason why” test. Parties routinely decide not to host groups whose views conflict with their platform without that being treated as unlawful. Freedom of association and political speech considerations also weigh in the party’s favour. There is no clear precedent forcing a party to host an external fringe event against its will.
Similar Equality Act claims involving the cancellation of events on grounds of protected beliefs have succeeded (or been settled) in Scotland, but only against commercial or public venue providers, not political parties.
Will the voters care?
In September 2023, YouGov found that 89% of Scotland think abortion should be allowed, fewer only than in Wales and the South at 92% and 91%. https://yougov.com/en-gb/articles/47568-where-does-the-british-public-stand-on-abortion-in-2023
By April 2026, support had risen to 92% and opposition had fallen to 4% https://yougov.com/en-gb/trackers/should-women-have-the-right-to-an-abortion?crossBreak=scotland
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