'Shameful' SNP dumps anti-women hatred law
New laws to tackle misogyny and ban conversion therapy have been shelved in a humiliating double U-turn by SNP ministers.
The Scottish Government confirmed it has ditched plans to introduce legislation in the current parliamentary term to make misogyny a specific offence.
It said the decision to put the proposed Bill on hold was down to the implications of the recent Supreme Court ruling and the need to ensure there are 'clear and unambiguous provisions in regard to the circumstances in which they apply'.
Ministers also announced they would not ban conversion therapy during the current parliament and would instead seek to introduce this in the first year of the next term if a UK-wide approach is not agreed before then.
Scottish Conservative deputy leader Rachael Hamilton said: 'This looks like a humiliating U-turn from John Swinney and co. The misogyny Bill is just the latest in a litany of paused, ditched or botched Sturgeon-era policies.
'Who would trust SNP ministers to legislate to criminalise misogyny when they can't even say what a woman is?
'Misogyny remains a serious problem and it's crucial that women and girls are protected from all forms of threatening and abusive behaviour in a way that safeguards their rights.'
The misogyny law was promised after an expert group led by Baroness Helena Kennedy, KC, in 2022 backed separate legislation rather than incorporating abuse and violence against women into Scotland's hate crime law.
Ministers proposed creating five new offences including stirring up hatred against women and misogynistic harassment.
Misogyny would also be treated as an aggravating factor in crimes, which could lead to tougher sentencing. Scottish Labour justice spokesman Pauline McNeill said: 'This is a shameful broken promise to women at a time when misogynistic hatred is on the rise.'
Parliamentary business minister Jamie Hepburn said: 'This is a complex area of policy and law, and it would be necessary that any Bill which brought misogyny into criminal law contained clear and unambiguous provisions in regard to the circumstances in which they apply.
'This would include the implications of the recent Supreme Court judgment.'
He said amendments would be made to hate crime legislation to protect women and girls.
The Scottish Government also confirmed it will only legislate 'in year one of the next parliamentary session' to ban conversion practices aimed at changing sexual orientation if an approach cannot be agreed to ensure UK Government legislation covers England, Scotland and Wales.
Equalities minister Kaukab Stewart said: 'These recent weeks have been challenging for our LGBTQI+ communities and we want you to know we stand with you and we will work tirelessly to ban conversion practices once and for all.'
Greens equalities spokesman Maggie Chapman said: 'A lot of people have waited far too long for the protections in these Bills, and will be deeply disappointed that they will not be happening.'
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