Screening of film about transgender issues cancelled a second time

Protesters sat in front of the lecture theatre where the film was going to be screened

The screening of a controversial film about transgender issues has been cancelled for a second time by the University of Edinburgh after student protests.

Gender-critical documentary Adult Human Female was due to be shown at a lecture hall in George Square on Wednesday.

But the university said protesters were restricting access to the venue and the event was cancelled on safety grounds.

A similar protest in December stopped the first attempt to screen the film.

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Adult Human Female, made by independent filmmakers Deirdre O'Neill and Mike Wayne, is billed as an "explainer about the issues, how far things have already changed for the worse for women and how difficult it has been to be heard, to be listened to".

Some university staff and student groups had called for the screening to be called off, claiming the documentary contained content that was "a clear attack on trans people's identities".

Protestors gathered outside a lecture hall in Edinburgh's George Square

In a statement, the film directors said: "Our film is not homophobic as implied by the protesters.

"On the contrary, it has lesbians speaking about how their sexual boundaries are under threat from men who claim to be women."

They added: "There isn't an iota of hatred in our film".

"The accusation that the film is transphobic is designed to shut down debate."

A University of Edinburgh spokesperson said: "We are disappointed that again this event has not been able to go ahead.

"In line with our commitment to fostering an inclusive, supportive and safe environment for our whole community, we worked with the organisers and put measures in place to mitigate risks associated with the event.

"However, with protesters restricting access to the venue, safety concerns were raised should the event proceed. It was therefore decided that the screening should not continue."

Speaking in the Scottish Parliament on Thursday, First Minister Humza Yousaf said he had not seen the film but urged the university to defend freedom of speech and to allow robust debate and discussion.

He added: "I see that as no conflict with the other stance that I'm very proud of, which is supporting trans rights. That is something that I am unequivocal about.

"But we should ensure that our universities - and society more generally - are a place where we can have that robust exchange of ideas."