Greens condemn ‘shameful’ SNP rollback on conversion practices and misogyny bill
The Scottish Government’s rollback on equality is a ‘shameful’ backward step, says Scottish Green equality spokesperson Maggie Chapman MSP.
The comments come as Government Initiated Questions confirmed that the Government has dropped a misogyny bill which offered much-needed protections for women and girls at risk of gender-based violence.
At the same time, the government is also dropping their commitment to end conversion practices against LGBTQIA+ people in this term, instead opting to follow in Westminster’s footsteps and put equalities on the back burner.
Both of these bills were originally promised as part of the Bute House Agreement that Scottish Greens negotiated after the last Holyrood elections.
Ms Chapman says:
“Dropping these bills sends a worrying message about the government’s commitment to equalities, and a shameful backward step. A lot of people have waited far too long for the protections in these bills, and they will be deeply disappointed that they will not be happening as promised.
“Violence against women and girls is a national emergency. The misogyny bill was a vital step in ensuring that reports of harassment and assault are taken seriously.
“LGBTQIA+ people are put at serious risk by cruel, harmful conversion practices that are currently flying under the radar. So-called conversion “therapies” are deeply immoral and leave lasting damage for survivors. These abusive practices have no place in a modern, progressive Scotland.
“This sends a terrible message. Our government must offer compassion, kindness and reassurance, not only in words but also in laws.
“The Scottish Government should not be kicking these bills into the long grass, but that is exactly what is happening. The promises of support and justice tomorrow mean nothing to those being actively harmed by inaction today.
“I urge the Scottish Government to reconsider their shameful decision and make good on their promise to improve equalities and human rights in Scotland through these bills today.”