Abuse and women's rights in Scotland

[SusanSmithFWS]

I see there is a thread on the frighteningly authoritarian draft hate crime bill and what that might mean for essays like that ofJK Rowling in the future. We are extremely concerned that groups like ours will face prosecution based on the perception of individuals. There is no requirement to prove intent and the accused will have to prove innocence. Meanwhile, misogyny is not included (at behest of Engender who were content to leave it for the present). This week, as you know, a non-binary member of the SNP claimed to have been set upon by a "transphobic" mob in a branch meeting. This was retweeted uncritically by senior politicians.The account was contested by many people who were present, at which point several politicians declared that what occurred was irrelevant, the only important factor was the individual's belief that they had been abused. This, of course, is the basis of this iniquitous bill.

Apologies for starting a new thread but I wanted to draw attention to the Twitter thread (also on our website) which we wrote on the abuse we have faced over the past 2 years. This only scratches the surface of what has happened. Meanwhile, we are currently being called a hate group by an SNP MP who employs a researcher who is one of the people who has relentlessly targeted us. Also, the SNP women's officer has called women concerned for their rights a "persistent vocal mob...incapable of taking part in civil conversation" while claiming concerns have been dealt with (she restricts replies on Twitter and blocks). Not one of the politicians or third sector workers who enthusiastically promoted Teddy's account, saying hate has no place in Scotland, has commented on what we have been through.

twitter.com/ForwomenScot/status/1277702854996897792?s=20
forwomen.scot/30/06/2020/abuse-and-womens-rights/#more-2393

Oh no. I am thousands of miles away from Scotland but this is very concerning.

Those concerned about this Bill and its impact on freedom of speech could consider writing to every member of the Justice Committee who will consider the Bill at its next stage. The details of the membership are on the Scottish Parliament website
Additionally, if passed, it may be worth looking out for anti-English tweets/statements etc made by SNP supporter groups as these may also meet the threshold for criminality.

Evelyn excellent points, thank you.

We are going to collect evidence of the sort of comments that might constitute criminality. If you have examples, they might be useful to include when writing.

That's a great idea to write to the committee members Evelyn.

I'm putting together my reply for the call for evidence for the bill and have urged others to do the same on the other thread as have other posters here.

Any more ideas for action would be welcome.

Here reading & making note of any actions I can take.

Just imagine how many vindictive narcos are rubbing their hand with glee waiting for it to pass.

When the feelings of adult males are legally protected above the safety, privacy and dignity of females.

This is fascism not democracy.

Teddy Hope is another attention seeking roaster just like Gregor Murray.

The SG is full to bursting with roasters, fuds, wallopers and warmers high on liberal narcissism and sanctimony and absolutely determined to educate the "lessers" out of their "wrong-think" because the SG knows best.

Fuck them sky high.

I saw the FWS thread last night. It's fucking awful.

I have attended various events in Scotland including the one in Edinburgh where, on leaving the event, we had to run the gauntlet into taxis, protected by police, with people in masks screaming at us, all for daring to have a women's meeting to discuss women's rights.

I documented the history of my abuse in the Scottish Government GRA consultation. Mine and other women's testimonies were simply ignored. Now, if I were to say it publicly, I would at best be accused of weaponising my abuse as J K Rowling was, or,, at worst, be guilty of hate crime.

Will write to justice committee members. First we lose our legal rights and now we might be jailed for speaking the truth. Its like some sort of dystopian nightmare.

for you Dances.

It's beyond comprehension how women and girls are being treat in Scotland for doing nothing more than standing up for ourselves and our rights.

The account was contested by many people who were present, at which point several politicians declared that what occurred was irrelevant, the only important factor was the individual's belief that they had been abused.

Fucking hell! Not sure that could be more sinister if it tried

I live in Scotland and share your worries. I have written to Engender, my MSP and any one else I can.

I am so upset and angry. I like to see the best in people and hope that people have just been taken in. I am a very reasonable, law abiding, liberal women. I never thought I'd be living in a world where my views (which are not extreme) would risk a hostile reaction.

Happy to help in anyway and very keen for some sort of protest when safe to do so!!!

Christ! This is terrifying.

The SG is full to bursting with roasters, fuds, wallopers and warmers

I do love a good Scottish turn of phrase.

Meanwhile, oh, yes, the SG have told us 'of course women can raise their concerns' while Rhiannon Spear blocks ignores and smears anyone who questions the current position, and the last 'consultation' had the express intent of educating & convincing people with concerns.

Disagreement = abuse, according to these people. You can see it play out in real time. Someone - I think it was the TIE lot - were tweeting in anguish at how much 'abuse' they'd received - and posted screenshots of pretty innocuous comments from people who were mostly polite, but DISAGREED.

This is part of the problem Scrimpshaw, disagreement = equals hate - this seems to apply across the board now with all sorts of topics.

No one wants to listen to facts or reason, they just want a narrative that makes them the good and morally righteous person and anyone who disagrees is a hate filled bastard.

Not the first time belief and thought crime has been codified into law. Like most laws it will be selectively enforced because that is why they wrote it in the first place.
"The law, in its majestic equality, forbids the rich as well as the poor to sleep under bridges, to beg in the streets, and to steal bread." Anatole France

So, autistic people could be prosecuted for saying what they see?

I really can't get my head round the logic of this muppetry. It's women who are murdered by men, loads of us. why does our safety and dignity not matter any more?

I didn't agree to Rhiannon Spears giving away my rights.

This autistic man was prosecuted for a hate crime for asking 'is it a boy or a girl' of a police officer .

www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-7943259/Judge-orders-yob-19-pay-200-damages-transgender-PCSO.html

This article has more detail

www.womenarehuman.com/autistic-teen-found-guilty-of-hate-crime-for-asking-police-officers-sex-autism-group-condemns-prosecution/

Good grief.

That is bizarre.

I don't want to be in a society that punishes people who aren't neurotypical for behaving in a way that is normal for someone who is not neurotypical.

FFS

last 'consultation' had the express intent of educating & convincing people with concerns

Given the various statements to that effect during the consultation, I think the consultation could be open to challenge. Unfortunately judicial reviews cost a lot of money. If the bill is passed can it be overturned if the consultation was found to be unlawful (ie not a consultation)?

Bumping up for the morning crowd.

Frightening. They say nationalism is the friend of fascism!