KIRKCALDY NURSE SANDIE PEGGIE INVOLVED IN WORKPLACE HARASSMENT CONTROVERSY OVER TRANSGENDER COLLEAGUE

A nurse employed at Victoria Hospital in Kirkcaldy, Fife, named Sandie Peggie, has publicly admitted to engaging in conduct classified as harassment under workplace policies. The incident in question occurred on Christmas Eve 2023 and involved her reaction to a transgender colleague, Dr Beth Upton, using the female changing facilities within the Accident & Emergency department of the hospital.

During a recent employment tribunal held in Dundee, Peggie’s statements were scrutinized as she explained her perspective on the incident. She clarified that her objections were not rooted in the fact that Dr Upton was transgender, but rather centered around her discomfort with sharing the changing room and the decisions made by NHS management regarding the use of facilities. Peggie expressed her belief that Dr Upton was male and conveyed feelings of intimidation when Dr Upton began to undress in the presence of others. She stated, “He has a male presence and I don’t want to be alone with a male taking his clothes off,” highlighting her discomfort and perceived threat.

In a controversial and widely discussed remark, Peggie drew a comparison between Dr Upton and Isla Bryson, a transgender woman who was sentenced to eight years in prison in 2023 for raping two women prior to her transition. Peggie recounted her feelings by saying, “Most of the staff were aware that I didn’t like Beth going into the changing room,” which underscored her disapproval of Dr Upton’s presence in the female facilities.

Throughout the tribunal proceedings, Peggie admitted that her actions and statements constituted harassment that could be considered liable under workplace conduct regulations. However, she denied using any offensive language explicitly. She explained, “I don’t have a problem with trans people and I didn’t have a problem with Beth until I found him in the female changing rooms,” attempting to clarify her stance and dismiss accusations of homophobia or transphobia.

Additionally, the tribunal touched upon her political views, revealing her admiration for former U.S. President Donald Trump. It was also noted that her husband had shared Facebook posts mocking transgender women. Peggie denied any intention to offend, describing her comments and behavior as “banter.” She maintained that her objections were based on NHS policy rather than personal beliefs and insisted she holds no homophobic views. The case has sparked significant debate about workplace conduct, gender identity, and the boundaries of personal beliefs within professional environments.