Jardine comments on Scottish Government scrapping misogyny and conversion therapy bills

Responding to the news that the Scottish Government is scrapping planned legislation to criminalise misogyny, Scottish Liberal Democrat women and equalities spokesperson Christine Jardine MP said:

“This is the wrong thing to do.

“Helena Kennedy’s report laid bare the extent of misogyny across our society. It made abundantly clear that women are not a minority and that a distinct set of responses was necessary to tackle deeply rooted misogyny. That is why I am incredibly disappointed by today’s news.

“The proposed legislation was a chance to substantially improve protections, help change culture and behaviours and move us closer to eradicating misogyny. It seems the government is now kicking all of that into the long grass.

“Ministers have indicated that sex will be included as a protected characteristic in separate legislation. I am concerned, however, that this will fall significantly short of the dedicated approach needed to tackle the pernicious attitudes that demean and degrade women.

“To those concerned about the signal this sends, I want them to know that Scottish Liberal Democrats will continue to fight their corner and do everything we can to stamp out misogyny in our society.”

Commenting on the news that a conversion therapy bill will not be considered until the next Parliament, she added:

"It's four years since the SNP pledged to introduce a comprehensive ban on conversion therapy. Why are people having to wait so long?

“It is an antiquated and barbaric practice, which can permanently scar those to suffer through it. It is absolutely unacceptable that in this day and age there are organisations dedicated to converting or “curing” LGBT+ people.

“The SNP should be using the powers of the Scottish government to challenge hatred and discrimination, not dragging their feet once again."