MSP apologises for hurt caused by rape 'demonisation' comments
Summary
Q Manivannan, a newly elected Scottish Green Party MSP, apologized for comments made before their election that described rape as a "spectrum" and talked about the "demonisation" of rape. The remarks caused upset and criticism from rape survivor groups, politicians, and others who said the comments minimized the seriousness of rape.Key Facts
- Q Manivannan is a Scottish Green Party MSP elected in May 2026.
- They made controversial comments on a podcast recorded before their election, suggesting rape exists on a "spectrum" and that there is a "demonisation" of rape.
- The Scottish Rape Crisis Alliance (SRCA) said there is "no hierarchy of rape" and warned against minimizing sexual violence.
- Manivannan apologized for the upset caused but said their comments were selectively edited and that they do not diminish survivors’ experiences.
- The United Nations Special Rapporteur on Violence against Women and Girls stated rape should never be described as a spectrum.
- Scottish politicians from multiple parties criticized Manivannan, with calls for suspension from the Scottish Conservatives.
- Manivannan uses they/them pronouns and identifies as non-binary.
- The controversy centers on the seriousness and understanding of sexual violence and how it should be discussed publicly.
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