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Labour attempts to remove 'get-out' clause in rape law

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Published Date: 29 May 2009
AN ATTEMPT to rid new laws of a "get-out clause for rapists" has been launched by Labour.
Proposed legislation on sex crimes will redefine the law on rape by creating a new definition of consent as "free agreement".

The legislation, now under scrutiny in Holyrood, also sets out a list of circumstances where there could be no free agreement – including a victim being incapable through alcohol.

But Labour claims the wording of the Sexual Offences (Scotland) Bill could unwittingly create a get-out clause by opening up the possibility of "prior consent" – a victim giving consent before becoming incapable.

Labour MSP Margaret Curran has tabled an amendment to reword this clause, with the backing of women's groups.

She said: "The Scottish Government's legislation is well-intentioned, but we need to end the 'get-out clause' for rapists."

A Scottish Government spokesman said: "We are keen to consider any ways in which the legislation can be improved."





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1

Scottish and Proud,

Glasgow 29/05/2009 05:36:02
Labour MSP Margaret Curran has tabled an amendment to reword this clause, with the backing of women's groups.

She said: "The Scottish Government's legislation is well-intentioned, but we need to end the 'get-out clause' for rapists."

A Scottish Government spokesman said: "We are keen to consider any ways in which the legislation can be improved."

Note the difference in attitudes between our SNP government on issues and the Unionists.
Opposition make a sensible suggestion to improve leglisation SG accept in principle.

Compare that to SNP being oppossed at every turn by Unionists in Holyrood ,and even more so from Westminster.

Seems the word from Brown is under no circumstances ever ,ever agree with or give praise to anything from SNP or Scotland.
2

donald,

glasgow 29/05/2009 06:21:46
Maggie Currant failed to turn up at her public meeting in the Far East of Glasgow last night. Wot's up? Were there no TV cameras to support her, or could she not claim for a chauffeured limousine from Newting Mearns?
3

connaughtboy,

stonehaven 29/05/2009 07:29:26
I dare say that Margaret Curran will never have to worry about giving her consent.
4

smokey joe 1,

29/05/2009 07:47:22
Is this the Magrat Curran who openly tell lies to people?

Waste of space.
5

buzzer,

Aberdeen 29/05/2009 07:57:08
This is at last a positive ammendment from Labour. Her researchers have 'spotted a loop hole' and all those who are victims of rape may well end up grateful for this ammendment.
I agree that is heartening that the SG do not play party politics with these issues instead welcoming all to contribute to the proposed legislation.
6

Colin Wilson,

Aberdeen 29/05/2009 09:09:06
"...with the backing of women's groups."

If the obvious needs to be stated, so-called "women's groups" generally comprise radical feminists who do not represent the views of the vast majority of normal, moderate women.

Policy on rape should NOT be driven by a minority who'll tell you that "all intercourse is rape" and that "all men are rapists".

Consultation on this, as on any issue, should be with the general public and NOT with a self-selected minority.
7

Duncan in Edinburgh,

29/05/2009 10:00:35
#6 Oh grow up you little man.
8

Darien,

Panama 29/05/2009 12:31:44
Clearly an attempt here by Ms Curran to justify her own political existence and to parade her persona (sic) for the public's benefit. New Labour will stoop to any level to divert attention from the sleave stories and economic mess, as this demonstrates.

This 'initiative' is no more than a typical PR exercise by New Labour. Nobody really believes they have any sincerity on such a matter, more especially after being in Government for so many years. Gees, all these non-prosecuted rape cases happened when Ms Curran and her aparatchnik comrades were in charge! New Labour and their Fib Dum mates are responsible for an issue they claim is the present Government's fault.

These New Labour 'characters' and timeservers have lost the public's respect and trust. Plain and simply, they are liars and will stoop to any level in order to cling onto their despicable political 'careers' and keep their snouts deep in the public sector feeding trough.

Hopefully the good people in Ms Curran's constituency will have better sense next time. Folks need to get her and her kind out, and the sooner the better.
9

Number 6,

Germany 29/05/2009 13:23:13
Fair enough Labour, but how dare you insult the people by putting this pathalogical liar back up for re election in Glasgow East.

Just how out of touch are the Labour party. "Big Margrit" is not to be trusted as far as she could be thrown. You would have thought they would have got the message after their resounding and humiliating defeat last time round, but it seems not.

Clearly, they think the people of Glasgow East are so stupid, they will have forgotten all about Curran's disgraceful lying throughout their previous, disasterous campaign.
10

Eve,

Scotland 29/05/2009 13:58:32
Where on earth did they get this "prior consent" nonces, why & how would someone give consent before they choice or acsadently becoming incapable through the consumption of alchol.


 

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Today's Vote

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