Forbes vows to serve the rights of all communities
Kate forbes has vowed to“progress” the rights of all communities in scotland, amid attacks from the Greens about what they said are the Deputy First Minister’s “judgemental attitudes” towards social issues including abortion.
It comes after the sacking of two prominent SNP voices on LGBT rights sparking accusations John Swinney’s newly-appointed deputy is already influencing a potential wateringdown of equalities legislation.
Scottish Greens co-leader Patrick Harvie took aim at Ms Forbes at FMQS, suggesting her appointment was taking Scotland “back to the oppressive values of the 1950s”.
Ms Forbes’ appointment has proved controversial due to her socially conservative views, particularly her opposition to single-sex marriage and having children outside of marriage.
SNP equalities minister Emma rod dick, who was leading on Scottish Government plans to ban conversion therapy was sacked by Mr Swinney. Joe Fitzpatrick, who was a passionate supporter of trans rights during the gender recognition reforms debate, was also sacked from his position as local government empowermentand planning minister.
Speaking to The Scotsman, Mr Harvie said the suggestion he held opposition to Ms Forbes’ religious beliefs was “nonsense”, adding there are “other prominent politicians, including in the SNP, who are members of the same church, who support progressive policy positions”.
He added: “It was the positions she came out with that shocked so many people.”
Asked about whether the dismissal of Ms Roddick was a signal a conversation therapy ban could be weakened or delayed, mr harvi es aid :“That will bean early test case.”
He added: “Will the government not just say that remains policy but commit to bringing that legislation forward quickly or will they decide it’ s not for the coming legislative programme and kick it into the long grass?
“We know there are many people across different political parties, including some in the SNP, who would like loop holes built into that legislation. It’s going to be urgent for John Swinney to respond to that challenge and to give some claritybecause the appointment of Kate Forbes is making a lot of people worried.”
Speaking after FMQS, Mr Swinney was asked if he believes his deputy supports his progressive values. He replied: “Yes, she does actually.”
Ms Forbes then told journalists: “I am here to support the First Minister and together we serve all communities in Scotland as we further and progress the rights of every community in Scotland, and I look forward to doing my part in achieving the Government’s aims in that regard.
“Not just that, but when I joined Government yesterday in a clear role to support the First minister, i signed up to collectiveresponsibility, soi stand by the Government’s decisions and agenda to improve and progress the rights of all of Scotland’ s communities .”
The First Minister also said it is “absolutely legitimate” for people to “seek reassurance”.
He said: “If people are feeling uneasy or anxious, we’ re better airing that.
“So that I can say on the record, and the Deputy First Minister can say on the record in front of you all, that we give that reassurance and we give that comfort to people in our society, because that’s what we believe.”