MSP Gil: 'Tory rape clause is fundamentally wicked'

MSP Gil Paterson has condemned the rape clause.

MSP Gil Paterson has condemned the Tory ‘rape clause’ as “fundamentally wicked” and said it will cause rape victims to “relive” their trauma.

If a woman wishes to claim tax credits for a third child, she must prove the infant was conceived as a result of rape.

The rape clause and two child policy has sparked outrage from the public, faith leaders, trade unions, women’s rights campaigners and politicians from all parties.

Critics say the two child policy will only worsen child poverty that scars many communities in Scotland, that the SNP is taking radical action to tackle with the upcoming Child Poverty Bill and more.

Mr Paterson said: “The lack of care with which this Tory policy is being handled is going to cause untold chaos and distress.

“It will also mean rape victims have to relive the trauma and horror of such brutal sexual violence over and over again with staff who have no expertise or sexual violence awareness training.

“Many women do not leave because it is too dangerous for them to leave. Very often it can take up to seven attempts for a woman to successfully leave an abusive relationship.

“The fact remains that this Tory policy, however diluted, is still anti-women, anti-family and fundamentally wicked.”

ENDS

Facts & stats

- There are 870,000 families in the UK with 3 or more children.
- Less than half of the 870,000 families (310,000) are out of work.
- Just 280,000 families have 4 or more children.
- Limiting of child element equivalent loss of up to £2,800 per child.
- We estimate an additional 200,000 children in relative poverty by 2020.
- 52% of Jewish families have three or more children.
- For the Muslim community, the proportion is 60%. That stands in stark contrast to the population as a whole, out of which only 30% of families have three or more children.