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Conservative leader cited in Scottish Parliament motion

Leader of the Scottish Conservative Party, Ruth Davidson, has been called out by Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse MSP, Christina McKelvie, over Ms. Davidson’s support for the ‘rape clause’ within the Conservative Government’s welfare reform to child tax credits.

The opposition leader released a statement via a secondary spokesman, declaring her support for the reforms. The reforms entitle parents to claim child tax credits for two children, with tax credits only being eligible for a third child if the parent can prove their child was conceived through non-consensual sex.

The ‘Scrap the Rape Clause’ campaign, founded by Alison Thewliss MP, argues that no woman should have to prove their sexual abuse in order to claim welfare. The claimant form involves an 8-page document, seeking further clarity over the validity of the claimant’s rape claim.

In criticism of Ruth Davidson’s support of the ‘rape clause’, Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse MSP, Christina McKelvie, launched a Scottish Parliament Members’ Business motion calling out the Scottish Conservative Party leader.

Commenting, Christina said:

“Ruth Davidson should be rightly embarrassed by the fact she hasn’t come out to face the public over her shameful defence of the ‘rape clause’. It’s simply not good enough to hide behind the façade of a ‘spokesman’ when defending the indefensible.

“The ‘rape clause’ forces women into a horrifying ordeal. To have to recount their sexual abuse via an eight-page document, in order to twistedly prove that their abuse is worthy of government welfare is maniacal.

“I have launched my Scottish Parliament Members’ Business motion condemning the rape clause and Ruth Davidson’s condoning of the welfare reforms. The motion has achieved cross-party support and will be debated in the near future.


“Ruth now has the chance to explain to The Scottish Parliament and to the people of Scotland why she believes it is appropriate that rape and sexual abuse claims must now be validated in order to access child tax credits.”

 

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The lead campaigner on the ‘Scrap the Rape Clause’ campaign, Alison Thewliss MP, added:

“The UK government has stooped to a new low, even by their austerity obsessed standards.

“As of last week, a two child limit on tax credits and universal credit - which is tantamount to social engineering - came into force. 

“What's most horrifying is the rape clause, which is a vile policy in total chaos.

“This is utterly appalling and will only seek to make rape survivors relive the trauma and brutality of the sexual violence they experienced at the hands of their perpetrator.  It must be one of the most inhumane and barbaric policies ever to emanate from Whitehall."