To worry about Kate Forbes becoming first minister

[Creatine11]

Abortion and LGBT rights have been something that have largely not been part of political debate for at least the last 10 years. Gay marriage was enacted in 2014 and was broadly supported. The last serious challenge to abortion rights was at the start of the coalition government with Nadine Dorries et all. However, broadly gay rights and abortion rights have been settled issues- it has almost been taboo for politicians to oppose them. Certainly, there hasn’t been any serious possibility over the last decade (at least) of any rowing back on abortion, gay marriage, gay adoption, divorce law etc.

However, it is clear that in the heart of hearts of Forbes she disagrees with all these things due to her beliefs as an evangelical Christian. By all accounts she was very competent as a minister and has been a good MSP. However, as first minister she will be a figurehead for Scotland as well as setting the tone for policy and political discourse. Also, unlike Rees-Mogg and DUP types, Kate Forbes seems like an otherwise sensible, competent, ‘normal’ politician.

My concern is Forbes being the leader of Scotland could normalise her views on these issues. While I don’t believe abortion or gay marriage face immediate threat, if it’s brought into mainstream politics it will become a party political issue and may well shift public opinion, especially given the current culture war. Politicians, journalists, activists and others who have held these views quietly may be emboldened to launch a new campaign against abortion, LGBT rights or some other issue. I don’t know this would necessarily just be limited to Scotland as Nicola Sturgeon and her policies had a very high profile in the rest of the UK and influenced policy.

Aibu to worry about Kate Forbes becoming SNP leader and first minister?

She’s honest and has personal integrity, which is more than Humza can say.

I worry about her and her views informing future legislation. I worry more about Humza Yousaf being grossly incompetent and a lucky chancer getting shoehorned into the job. He is horrendously overpromoted already

Would worry more about Humza as Kate has shot herself in the foot. He has ruined everything he has ever touched and is largely known as ‘Useless’.

We used to have talented politicians with life experience before politics. Now it’s student Union politics.

Because what she believes in is that LGBTQ and single parents are sinners. That's a pretty big problem when she's going round feeling like they should be denied rights like marriage

No. She is only one person not a dictator. Maybe she will be ok.

At least she is upfront and honest. A v rare commodity in a politician. She us entitled to her personal views.

Yes, YABU.

In her own words: "Every leader’s identity is multifaceted – I am a woman, I am a Highlander, I have a faith. Of all these characteristics, the questions over the last few days have focused on my religious faith. I feel greatly burdened that some of my responses to questions in the media have caused hurt, which was never my intention as I sought to answer questions clearly.

I will defend to the hilt the rights of everybody in Scotland, particularly minorities, to live and to love without fear or harassment in a pluralistic and tolerant society. I will uphold the laws that have been hard won, as a servant of democracy, and seek to enhance the rights of everybody to live in a way which enables them to flourish. I firmly believe in the inherent dignity of each human being; that underpins all ethical and political decisions I make."

YABU.

There is nothing whatsoever to say that this woman is going to run the country based on her personal religious beliefs.

We live in a democracy and she is well aware of that.

It’s interesting how the Muslim candidate ( I forget his name) abstained from certain votes and how you are not concerned about that or him running the party.

Do you really believe that all leaders have no personal beliefs that might not be popular with everyone?

They have just been both fortunate enough/clever enough not to have that info in the public domain so people like yourself can scrutinise and destroy their aspirations!

Most non-religious people do this too - I.e. EVERYONE does.

Have a read of the OP, for starters.

Thing is the first minister can’t unilaterally change any law. Legislation can only be implemented by means of a majority vote in Parliament. Your post is incredibly narrow minded and bigoted. You do realise that many politicians say whatever they need to say in order for people to re elect them or elect them. I know from personal experience that many who say for example they support gay marriage or TWAW don’t believe that at all. They just say it because they think it’s the right answer. This woman has the courage of her convictions and is honest. You are extremely foolish to reject her as a party leader because you don’t like her views on social issues.

@HBGKC

Yup.

It some how feels worse when the motivation for homophobia and mysoginy is religious though

Because what she believes in is that LGBTQ and single parents are sinners. That's a pretty big problem when she's going round feeling like they should be denied rights like marriage

That's a bit of an extrapolation. And once again. Humza says he is a practicing muslim so what do you think his beliefs are?

Abortion rights are not in even the slightest danger in the UK. No need to worry.

I'm not in Scotland, do my opinion doesn't count for much.

I'm atheist, support both a woman's right to have an abortion & gay marriage.

However, I think Kate is the least worst option!

i havent seen the news since, but going by the radio this morning I thought she was no longer in the running? (Need to go and see what I can find out)

if people don't want Kate, who do they want?

I am not worried at all about her personal religious views. It is clear she has no intention of imposing them on others. It is perfectly possible to uphold the law and oversee the provision of public services while belonging to a religion that promotes traditional family values. Most practicing Muslims would agree with her and do not get picked apart when seeking public office.

It is also very Christian to believe simultaneously both that sex is for procreation within a stable married relationship and that children conceived should be treasured, and that all humans are fallible, people should not judge others (that is for God to do) and that we should welcome everyone.

So, while I don't share her religious views or practices, I do think she is perfectly capable of being First Minister of Scotland. In fact, she comes across as extremely competent.

If you don’t believe in the tenets of her church why do you care what Kate Forbes thinks about the conditions of other people’s consciences? She said it wouldn’t be right for her to have had a child outside marriage. I genuinely don’t see what is controversial about that. She said she wouldn’t seek to revise legislation regarding gay marriage. Loads of people voted against gay marriage, it wasn’t passed unanimously, do you think they should be hounded out of office too?

I hardly think her getting the position would herald a an era of Wee Free values being imposed on Scotland! She is honest, and although I would much prefer to see Ash Regan in the role, I mightily prefer her over that sleekit man Humza Yousaf. He’ll say anything just to advance himself.

Unfortunately it looks like the SNP faithful will close ranks. I’m actually quite disgusted with some SNP office holders, who I know are quietly GC, backing this duplicitous man.

Everyone is scoffing that it won't happen but of course it can happen, and all you need is majority to roll things back as we have seen across the pond.

we shouldnt be so blasé about hard won rights.

I don't think that one can state categorically that someone is a homophobe on the basis that they voted against the redefinition of marriage to include same-sex couples.

Also - misogyny? Because her faith prohibits abortion, therefore she hates women (even though she is one)..?

@HBGKC

My comments were general, not about Forbes directly.

But yes, I think if you're actively against gay marriage you are homophobic and mysoginist if you are pro life.

Lots of women are mysoginist

Completely agree. It’s a lazy short hand that has really caught on. Stonewall used to be anti gay marriage fgs.

A bit like you then.

@Chias

Yup.

I don't agree with her views on same sex marriage, no sex outside marriage etc but whether she holds those views is irrelevant to this leadership race anyway - she's not going to be allowed to win it.

The high heid yins at the SNP want Yusfuf. They don't tolerate dissent. Once they've destroyed Forbes, they'll move onto Regan.

The whole thing is a farce.