Lisa Keogh is a law school graduate and anti-transgender activist. In 2021, Keogh made a number of anti-trans statements that were investigated by Keogh’s school Abertay University. Following a two-month investigation, the Abertay University student disciplinary board cleared Keogh of all charges in June 2021. Keogh later announced plans to sue the university. Keogh became a cause cĂ©lĂšbre among anti-trans activists, including Graham Linehan, Julia Hartley-Brewer, and Toby Young.
Background
According to Keogh’s fundraising site: “I am a mum of 2 young boys. It has always been my dream to become a lawyer and I started studying for my LLB in law at Abertay in Dundee in 2017.”
2021 incident
During an online class, Keogh stated that women have vaginas, argued that “the difference in physical strength of men versus women is a fact,” and expressed concerns about transgender women participating in womenâs mixed martial arts. According to Keogh’s fundraising site:
“I had enrolled in the modules âGender, feminism and the lawâ and âHuman Rightsâ. Part of these modules were to discuss topical issues such as gender and transgender issues, surrogacy, and contraception. Unexpectedly, on April 16th 2021 I received an email from the university stating that I had made âinappropriateâ comments and that I was to be the subject of disciplinary action and I was invited to a formal meeting to discuss the issue. The âinappropriateâ comments which led to the disciplinary process were me stating during open discussion in which students were invited to give their opinion that, âwomen have vaginasâ and ânot all men are rapistsâ. I also challenged the fact that biological men should not be allowed to compete in close contact sports with women as this is a safety concern due to men going through male puberty. I did not deny that I had said these things.”
Keogh described the process thus:
“I was also offered a chance to apologise for such comments which I of course declined. Aside from the fact that I was in university module where freedom of thought and topical debate is actively encouraged, I believed that I had a right to express my personal opinion on these matters under my right of free speech and freedom of expression. Following this meeting, Abertay decided that my views were in breach of their disciplinary guidelines and would press ahead with a full investigation. I was advised that if I were found âguiltyâ I faced expulsion and I could lose the degree that I had sacrificed so much for and was so close to achieving. The university changed the allegations against me from âinappropriate commentsâ to âinappropriate behaviourâ mid-way through the investigation. So, it was not about what I had said anymore, but the âtoneâ in which I said it. I do not accept this. After two long months, during which I was offered no support, the University concluded that I was not in breach of disciplinary guidelines, and no further action would be taken.”
Keogh noted: “I have taken legal advice and the University is in breach of the Equality Act 2010. My beliefs, which I believe are completely legitimate are a protected characteristic under the Equality Act. I intend to raise an action for damages for the stress and inconvenience they have caused me. I also believe the case may have wider implications for freedom of speech in this country, which I believe is vitally important.”
Keogh’s case was taken up by the Free Speech Union, and MP Joanna Cherry offered legal support. In December 2022, the case was dismissed by Dundee Sheriff Court. Keogh announced an appeal.
References
Gordon, Tom (June 19, 2021). Abertay University student Lisa Keogh cleared after being investigated for saying women have vaginas. The Herald Scotland https://www.heraldscotland.com/politics/19359567.abertay-university-student-lisa-keogh-cleared-investigated-saying-women-vaginas/
Baska, Maggie (May 19, 2021). Scottish law student faces disciplinary action over âwomen have vaginasâ row. PinkNews https://www.thepinknews.com/2021/05/19/lisa-keogh-abertay-university-free-speech-scotland-university-women-vaginas/
Anti-trans coverage
Hamilton, Lindsey (April 1, 2024). Angus mum says ‘women have vaginas’ remark may be illegal. The Courier https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/news/angus-mearns/4937169/lisa-keogh-women-have-vaginas-comment-hate-crime/
Jones, Olivia (December 23, 2022). Student who lost court fight against university that investigated her for saying ‘women have vaginas’ in trans seminar launches crowdfunder to pay for appeal. Daily Mail https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-11569599/Student-lost-court-fight-against-university-launches-crowdfunder-pay-appeal.html
Blake, Elly (December 19, 2022). Law student, 30, who sued her university for dragging her through an investigation after she said ‘women have vaginas’ during a seminar sees her case dismissed. Daily Mail
Meikle, David (February 9, 2022). SNPâs Joanna Cherry assists student in âwomen have vaginasâ case. The Times https://www.thetimes.com/uk/scotland/article/snps-joanna-cherry-assists-student-in-women-have-vaginas-case-jnhj06p27
Ffiske, Caroline (November 24, 2021). If you donât have something compliant to say⊠âMandatory dutiesâ under the Equality Act leave employers with little alternative but silent lunches. The Critic https://thecritic.co.uk/if-you-dont-have-something-compliant-to-say/
Staff report (May 18, 2021). âI am being investigated by my university for saying women have vaginas.â Spiked https://www.spiked-online.com/2021/05/18/i-am-being-investigated-by-my-university-for-saying-women-have-vaginas/
Jackson, Jon (May 17, 2021). Law Student Faces Disciplinary Action for Saying Women Have Vaginas During Gender Discussion. Newsweek https://www.newsweek.com/student-discipline-women-weaker-1592130
Home, Marc (May 15, 2021). Student investigated for saying women must have vaginas. The Times https://www.thetimes.com/uk/scotland/article/student-investigated-for-saying-women-must-have-vaginas-3tnl0f9wb
Media
Make More Noise with Sinéad Watson, Chinzia, Birdy Rose, Caroline McAlister, and Lisa Keogh (July 23, 2021). Wombs with a View, Scottish Special #WomenWontWheesht. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GfFLc8T7RRg
The Mess Weâre In with Graham Linehan, âArty Morty,â Helen Staniland, Saoirse Connolly, Lisa Keogh, “Daisy,” and Sophie Watson, (July 7, 2021). 64: Lisa Keogh’s Graduation Mess! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VdpcKa4ElmE
Free Speech Union with Julia Hartley-Brewer and Lisa Keogh (June 10, 2021). FSU member Lisa Keogh speaks to Julia Hartley-Brewer on talkRADIO. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PnUaplqqxEI
The Cauldron with Denise Findlay, Marion Calder, Lisa Keogh, and Claire Samani (September 10, 2021). The Cauldron – Denise Findlay, Marion Calder, Lisa Keogh & Claire Samani – Episode 4. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pO07cEGayUQ
Resources
Lisa Keogh (lisakeogh.uk) [archive]