New federal bill sparks intense debate over inclusion and discrimination in athletic competition.

House Republicans have reignited their push for a federal ban that would prevent transgender women and girls from participating in sports teams that align with their gender identity. This bill, which has been reintroduced for a third time by Rep. Greg Steube, seeks to amend civil rights laws, defining sex strictly by reproductive biology at birth. It follows the passage of similar legislation at the state level and is part of a broader wave of anti-trans measures that have raised significant concern across the United States.

The bill has gained substantial backing from Republican lawmakers, including Speaker Kevin McCarthy and Education Committee Chair Virginia Foxx. Despite likely facing defeat in the Senate, the bill represents the GOP’s ongoing efforts to impose nationwide restrictions on trans athletes. The legislation reflects a growing ideological divide, as it echoes the rhetoric heard at conservative activist events, further fuelling the culture wars surrounding transgender rights.

Rep. Pramila Jayapal, who has a transgender daughter, passionately addressed the committee, expressing her distress at the harm caused by such policies. “It hurts me every single day to watch these attacks on trans youth who are simply trying to live authentically,” she stated, highlighting the emotional toll on young trans people.

A 16-year-old trans athlete, Rebekah Bruesehoff, shared her personal experience, explaining how this bill would prevent her from participating in high school sports. She described how sports are a vital part of her growth and community, and expressed how exclusion would harm her development. Bruesehoff’s comments reflect the broader impact of this legislation on trans youth who already face significant mental health challenges.

Rep. Mark Takano condemned the bill, accusing Republicans of using it to “attack trans kids” rather than to protect women’s sports, calling the effort “cowardly.” Several Republicans, including Reps. Mary Miller and Bob Good, rejected the very existence of gender identity, claiming that there are only two immutable sexes. This rhetoric has drawn sharp criticism from Democrats and LGBT+ advocates, who argue that the bill unfairly targets a vulnerable group.

Research indicates the severe psychological toll on trans and nonbinary youth, with 45% of them having considered suicide in the past year, as per the Trevor Project. Rep. Jahana Hayes, a former teacher, highlighted that trans youth represent a small minority, making up less than 2% of high school students, yet their safety and inclusion are being jeopardised by these legislative moves.

Despite the growing pushback, Republicans have continued to advocate for the bill, with Foxx accusing the Biden administration of misinterpreting Title IX, which prohibits sex-based discrimination in education. The National Women’s Law Center and other advocacy groups have condemned the bill, arguing that it undermines Title IX’s promise of equal access to educational opportunities, especially for transgender and intersex women and girls.

Carlton Huffman, a longtime Republican aide, accuses the CPAC leader of harassment as legal proceedings advance.

Carlton Huffman, a veteran GOP aide, has publicly identified himself as the plaintiff in a $9.6 million lawsuit accusing Matt Schlapp, leader of the American Conservative Union (ACU), of sexual misconduct. Huffman disclosed his identity during an interview with The Washington Post following a court ruling requiring him to do so to continue legal proceedings.

“I’m not stepping back,” Huffman stated. “Matt Schlapp must face accountability for his actions, and I’m committed to pursuing justice.”

Huffman alleges that Schlapp made unwanted sexual advances and groped him during a trip to Georgia last autumn. The pair had been campaigning for Herschel Walker, a Republican Senate candidate backed by former President Donald Trump, who ultimately lost the election. Huffman claims the incidents occurred without his consent and led to emotional distress.

Schlapp has denied the accusations. At CPAC 2023, he avoided direct questions about the case, while his attorney, Mark Carallo, expressed confidence in Schlapp’s defence, stating, “We are certain the truth will emerge in court, and we will prevail.” Carallo declined to provide further details, citing respect for the judicial process.

The allegations against Schlapp have cast a shadow over the ACU and CPAC, which faced diminished attendance this year. Critics attribute the decline to the group’s increasing alignment with far-right ideologies under Donald Trump’s influence. While CPAC 2023 primarily celebrated Trump’s presidency, notable Republicans, including Mike Pompeo and two of Trump’s declared 2024 challengers, also addressed attendees.

The conference concluded with a keynote speech by Trump, reaffirming his 2024 presidential ambitions. Meanwhile, his expected primary competitor, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, spoke at a separate event the same weekend.

As Huffman prepares to file an updated lawsuit, he remains resolute in his quest for accountability. “This is about holding powerful individuals responsible for their actions, no matter their status or influence,” Huffman said.

Ministers raise concerns about potential rule violations in Sue Gray’s planned shift to Labour, while opposition dismisses claims as “conspiracy theories.”

Sue Gray, the former civil servant who investigated Downing Street’s “partygate” scandal, faces scrutiny over her intended move to Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer’s office. Ministers, including Paymaster General Jeremy Quin, have suggested her transition might breach civil service rules.

Addressing Parliament, Mr Quin described the situation as “exceptional” and “unprecedented,” noting that Gray had not yet informed the Advisory Committee on Business Appointments (Acoba) as required. He highlighted key civil service rules that may apply, including impartiality, declaring outside interests, and seeking approval before job announcements. Quin called on Labour to release communications with Gray to ensure transparency.

Labour’s deputy leader Angela Rayner dismissed the allegations as baseless, accusing the Conservatives of being consumed by “conspiracy theories” propagated by Boris Johnson and his allies. “This debate reflects more on the Tories’ delusions than on anything substantial,” Rayner asserted.

Former Johnson ally Jacob Rees-Mogg argued that Gray’s plans undermine the concept of an independent civil service, claiming secretive dealings with the opposition erode her credibility. He also criticised how her work on “partygate” might now appear compromised.

The controversy follows Labour’s announcement of Gray as Sir Keir’s prospective chief of staff. While Johnson loyalists allege the move is politically motivated, Sir Keir has defended Gray’s integrity, emphasising her impartiality during the Downing Street investigation.

Sir Keir declined to specify when discussions with Gray began, only stating that it occurred after his former chief of staff departed in October. He reassured the public that Gray’s formal application to Acoba would adhere to established guidelines.

The Cabinet Office is reviewing the circumstances surrounding Gray’s resignation, while Acoba will assess whether a waiting period should precede her appointment. Though Acoba’s recommendations are advisory, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has the final say.

Meanwhile, ongoing investigations by the Privileges Committee into whether Johnson misled Parliament over lockdown parties could further complicate the political landscape. Allegations that Gray’s Labour move discredits her findings have added fuel to the debate, though Science Secretary Michelle Donelan vouched for her impartiality.

As the controversy unfolds, Gray remains poised to take on her new role pending official approval, with Sir Keir lauding her professional contributions and leadership capabilities.

SNP leadership hopefuls share visions for Scotland’s future amid independence discussions.

An independent Scotland could achieve greater prosperity within a decade, according to Scottish Finance Secretary Kate Forbes. As one of three candidates vying to succeed Nicola Sturgeon as SNP leader and First Minister, Forbes outlined her vision for an independent, wealthier, and fairer Scotland during a hustings event.

Forbes emphasised the importance of presenting tangible benefits of independence to the public. “In the first 10 years of independence, we need to show Scotland can be greener, wealthier, and fairer,” she said, adding, “We have the resources and potential to be one of the most successful nations.”

Ash Regan, former Community Safety Minister and another candidate, promised to revive the cross-party Yes campaign from 2014 and reach out to broader independence supporters. She expressed urgency in pursuing independence and proposed a manifesto commitment that a vote for the SNP would initiate talks with Westminster. “We need a new strategy to secure independence. The ballot box is our gold standard,” Regan stated, adding that international recognition would follow such an approach.

Meanwhile, Humza Yousaf, Scotland’s Health Secretary and another contender, declared that independence is “inevitable.” Positioning himself as the SNP’s “first activist,” he pledged to unite the independence movement and focus every election campaign on securing Holyrood’s right to hold another referendum. “I will take the message of independence to every community, door-to-door, to inspire the nation,” Yousaf said.

While acknowledging the SNP’s achievements over the past 16 years, Yousaf stressed the need to build on their progressive record. Forbes, however, subtly criticised Yousaf by highlighting the importance of stabilising the NHS over the next decade as part of ensuring public trust in independence.

The candidates agreed on the need to convince Scots that independence would bring tangible improvements to their lives, but their strategies diverged. Regan called for a change in approach, Forbes focused on competence and clarity, and Yousaf emphasised grassroots activism.

The leadership contest comes at a pivotal time for Scotland’s independence movement, with all three candidates aiming to galvanise support and chart a clear path towards breaking away from the UK.