Police Scotland has come under scrutiny after reports emerged that they contemplated registering trans rapist Isla Bryson as female on the sex offenders’ register. Bryson, previously known as Adam Graham, was convicted of two counts of rape and initially placed in Cornton Vale women’s prison before being transferred to a male prison due to public backlash. The Scottish Prison Service (SPS) made the decision to move Bryson, although then-First Minister Nicola Sturgeon faced criticism for using female pronouns to refer to Bryson.
The controversy unfolded concurrently with the Scottish Parliament’s vote in support of facilitating sex changes for transgender individuals. The Gender Recognition Reform Bill, which aimed to streamline the process of gender reassignment, faced opposition from then-Tory Scottish secretary Alister Jack. Amidst this backdrop, a leaked document suggested that Police Scotland had contemplated listing Bryson as female on the sex offender’s register.
According to the leaked document, if Bryson came into contact with the police, there could be a consideration to record Bryson as female but retain the trans history on relevant policing systems. While Police Scotland later clarified that they would not record a male rapist as female, the leaked document indicated the possibility of listing Bryson as female on certain databases, including the sex offenders’ register.
In response to the leaked report, a Police Scotland spokesperson stated that the document outlined potential recording practices relating to sex and gender analysis. The Chief Constable addressed the issue of gender self-identification during a meeting with the Scottish Police Authority board in September 2024, committing to a broader review of the matter.
The handling of Bryson’s case has raised questions about the intersection of gender identity and criminal justice systems. The debate around Bryson’s placement on the sex offenders’ register underscores the complexities and challenges faced by authorities in managing cases involving transgender individuals. As the discussion continues, stakeholders are grappling with the implications for legal frameworks and operational procedures in addressing such nuances in the criminal justice system.