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A gender-critical book has been readmitted to an exhibition at the National Library of Scotland after being removed in a censorship row.<\/p>\n
‘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. <\/p>\n
The library said it was removed from its centenary exhibit after staff concerns that it could cause harm amid “polarising” debates around trans rights.<\/p>\n
Bosses at the Edinburgh library said they had since faced scrutiny over the decision and had apologised to the editors of the book.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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.<\/p>\n
“We hope this is a turning point in public discourse in Scotland, particularly around sex and gender identity, but also other topics.<\/p>\n
“Public institutions have a responsibility to show leadership in strengthening national debates and helping find constructive ways through areas of disagreement.”<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Ms Shah said: “We aspire to bring people together and encourage respectful and constructive conversation. <\/p>\n
“We will always be inclusive, and we will always welcome everyone to the library.”<\/p>\n
The Women Who Wouldn’t Wheesht will return to exhibition shelves this week.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n