The employment tribunal, Sandie Peggie vs NHS Fife and Dr Beth Upton, which began in Scotland on 3 February last, continued today.
This morning, the tribunal saw Naomi Cunningham of Outer Temple Chambers, Ms Peggie’s barrister, begin cross-examination of Dr Upton. Dr Upton is a male who identifies as a woman.
Throughout today’s proceedings, Dr Upton maintained that he had every right to use the women’s changing rooms regardless of anyone’s “biased, misinformed, unpleasant, bigoted or transphobic views”.
When responding to Ms Cunningham’s assertion that he does not have a female body, Dr Upton said, “I’m not a robot so I am biological, and my identity is female… so I’m biologically female”.
During the tribunal Dr Upton, a practicing medical doctor, also stated that “there is no agreed definition of biological sex. It’s a nebulous dog whistle”.
Ms Peggie, an NHS Fife nurse for over 30 years, was suspended from Victoria Hospital in January 2024. This was due to allegations of “bullying” as a result of Ms Peggie objecting to the presence of Dr Beth Upton in the female staff changing room on 24 December 2023.
The tribunal continues tomorrow.
Editor: This story was contributed by Gript Media’s work experience student, who has come to us on placement this week from a Dublin-based school.