National library of Scotland in U-turn over gender-critical book

A gender-critical book has been readmitted to an exhibition at the National Library of Scotland after being removed in a censorship row.

‘The Women Who Wouldn’t Wheesht’ is a collection of essays on women’s rights campaigning in Scotland – with JK Rowling and former MP Joanna Cherry among its authors.

The library said it was removed from its centenary exhibit after staff concerns that it could cause harm amid “polarising” debates around trans rights.

Library bosses said they had since faced scrutiny over this decision and apologised to the editors of the book.

It follows talks between national librarian Aminah Shah, chairman of the library board Sir Drummond Bone, and the book’s editors Susan Dalgety and Lucy Hunter Blackburn.

In a statement Ms Dalgety and Ms Hunter Blackburn said: “We are delighted that The Women Who Wouldn’t Wheesht is now taking its rightful place in the Dear Library exhibition.

“We hope this is a turning point in public discourse in Scotland, particularly around sex and gender identity, but also other topics.

“Public institutions have a responsibility to show leadership in strengthening national debates and helping find constructive ways through areas of disagreement.”

The National Library of Scotland said that while a “curatorial decision” had been made not to include the book in the exhibition, a copy had remained available in its reading rooms.

Ms Shah said: “We aspire to bring people together and encourage respectful and constructive conversation.

“We will always be inclusive, and we will always welcome everyone to the library.”

The Women Who Wouldn’t Wheesht will return to exhibition shelves this week.