Now looking at someone may be sexual harassment
New list of banned behaviour at Holyrood for MSPs and staff
‘LOOKS’ and ‘leers’ will be considered as sexual harassment, MSPs have been warned.
The Scottish parliament has published a policy on the issue in the wake of concerns raised by staff at Holyrood.
The policy, which covers MSPs and all staff working at the parliament, warns that sexual harassment can ‘come in many forms’.
Examples listed include sexist comments, ‘comments or gestures of a sexual nature, including comments about somebody’s body or appearance’ and sharing sexual jokes on email.
In a joint letter, presiding officer ken Macintosh and chief executive Sir Paul Grice said: ‘The aim is to create an environment which is free from sexual harassment and sexist behaviour.
‘We will do this by being clear about the behaviours that are unacceptable and by fostering a culture of respect which ensures a safe, secure and welcoming environment.’
The letter continues: ‘Everyone who works in or for the parliament will be able to access the support service and any formal complaints of sexual harassment will be investigated independently of the relevant employer or political party.’
The policy change follows a survey which found that nearly a third of women and 6 per cent of men had experienced sexual harassment or sexism while working at Holyrood.
It sets out a zero-tolerance approach and outlines examples of sexist behaviour.
It states that types of sexual harassment can include: ‘Comments of a sexist nature; looks, leers, comments or gestures of a sexual nature, including comments about somebody’s body or appearance; circulation by email or sharing digitally comments or jokes of a sexual nature; being asked questions of a sexual nature; unwanted text messages, emails or other communications of a sexual nature; unwanted physical contact such as touching, groping, kissing, or invasion of personal space; or unwanted persistent attention.’
It also cites concerns about describing attributes based on gender, such as saying a man is decisive but a woman aggressive.
An independent support service includes a confidential helpline available Monday to Friday from 9am to 10pm.
The service also provides access to counsellors and an advocacy worker and will be a central point for the submission of any formal sexual assault complaints.
Culture of respect training was introduced at Holyrood in November last year in response to concerns over sexual harassment.
Nearly 1,100 people have attended the training, which will end later this month.
Labour’s equalities spokesman Pauline McNeill said the new policy ‘sends a clear message that sexual harassment is never acceptable’.
She added: ‘Many people will be surprised that the Scottish parliament needed to take steps such as this. The reality is there is a way to go for our institutions to catch up with these issues, as the revelations of “MeToo” showed in 2017.’
Former childcare minister Mark McDonald quit the SNP after he was informed investigators hired by the party concluded his ‘inappropriate behaviour had been deliberate in nature’.
But he sparked outrage by vowing to continue as an independent MSP – despite accepting some of his behaviour was unprofessional and had caused upset, discomfort and offence to the women involved.
‘Ensure a safe and secure environment’