Lochaber MSP denounces sexual harassment in wake of probe
MSP KATE Forbes says while she has never been the victim of sexual harassment during her political career, it should be denounced wherever it is found.
Ms Forbes, MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch, made the statement to the Lochaber Times this week in the wake of news that her party, the SNP, had launched an internal investigation into complaints about inappropriate sexual behaviour.
The party has said in a statement that concerns were raised by two individuals and were unconnected.
And First Minister Nicola Sturgeon described claims of sexual harassment at the Scottish Parliament as ‘unacceptable’ and urged a zero tolerance approach.
Ms Sturgeon made her remarks during an interview for BBC Scotland after proposing cross-party talks to examine how best to tackle the issue.
The SNP has now promised a full investigation into any allegations of inappropriate conduct.
Ms Forbes, who informed the Lochaber Times she had never been personally subjected to this kind of harrassment as a politician, said it was unacceptable.
‘I’m aware of recent press coverage of sexual harassment, which should concern all of us but perhaps women most of all,’ she said.
‘I’m just very sad that anybody, men or women, might be objectified rather than valued for our contributions to public service.’
Scottish Labour, the Scottish Conservatives, the Scottish Liberal Democrats and the Scottish Greens have been all reported as not having received any sexual harassment complaints.
The latest developments come after lawyer Aamer Anwar said he had been told of a ‘catalogue of abuse’ against women at Holyrood, while Labour leader Kezia Dugdale has said she was aware of several female MSPs who had been victims.
Quizzed about the allegations that had surfaced at Holyrood, Ms Sturgeon condemned behaviour of the nature being suggested and said it should not be tolerated. The Scottish Parliament says there are already ‘robust procedures’ in place to investigate and deal with any reports of sexual harassment.
I’m just very sad that anybody, men or women, might be objectified rather than valued for our contributions to public service - Kate Forbes