The National Library of Scotland is facing criticism after a decision was made to exclude a pro-women’s rights book from a special exhibition marking its centenary. Amina Shah, Scotland’s national librarian and chief executive of the library, opted not to include "The Women Who Wouldn’t Wheesht," despite the book receiving over twice the number of nominations needed for the display.
The library had invited the public to suggest titles that inspired their love of reading, promising to showcase ten books for a ten-month exhibition. "The Women Who Wouldn’t Wheesht" is a collection of essays highlighting the debates around women’s rights and gender identity, featuring contributions from notable figures like J.K. Rowling and former Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon. The title itself is a Gaelic expression meaning “don’t be quiet,” symbolizing the authors’ refusal to be silenced by radical trans activists.
Despite its popularity, the book was removed from the exhibition after complaints from the library’s LGBT staff network, who labeled it as “hate speech.” Shah explained that her decision was influenced by concerns over the potential backlash from key stakeholders who might withdraw support for the exhibition.
The editors of the book, Susan Dalgety and Lucy Hunter Blackburn, have publicly questioned this decision. They sent a letter to Shah expressing their concerns about the implications of censoring the book, noting that it reflects broader issues of discrimination and censorship within public institutions in Scotland.
For Women Scotland, a group advocating for women’s rights, also condemned the library’s decision. They criticized the library for yielding to complaints from the LGBT staff group, claiming this undermines the truthfulness of objections to the book.
The controversy has sparked a wider discussion about freedom of expression and the role of public institutions in promoting diverse viewpoints. Critics argue that the library’s actions may set a concerning precedent for censorship in Scotland, particularly regarding discussions around gender and women’s rights.
