Protecting the safety of women by condemning the use of misleading language by elected members that undermines the severity of sexual violence

That the Parliament recognises that women have the right to feel safe, respected and protected from intimidation or harassment, including within the Scottish Parliament; notes with concern comments attributed to a Scottish Green MSP that rape exists “on a spectrum”; believes that any suggestion that rape can be understood in terms that diminish its seriousness is wholly inappropriate and deeply distressing to survivors of sexual violence; further believes that the gravity of rape must never be trivialised by those holding public office or responsible for upholding the law; recognises an official response from Rape Crisis Scotland which states: "If anything, rape is not demonised enough. These comments are deeply irresponsible and reinforce harmful rape myths that organisations like ours have fought hard against for decades. The trauma and seriousness of rape should never be minimised."; acknowledges the work of organisations supporting survivors of sexual violence across Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire; considers that women serving as elected representatives must be able to participate fully in parliamentary life without feeling intimidated or unsafe as a result of the views or conduct of another elected member; and believes that public discourse in this area must adhere to the highest standards of conduct and protect women’s safety, and should never diminish the seriousness of sexual violence.