Story perspectives

Scottish Green MSP Faces Whip Removal Over “Rape Spectrum” Comment

8/8/2026

Summary

Story summary

Q Manivannan (Scottish Green MSP) said “rape is a spectrum” on a February 2025 podcast.
Thomas Kerr (Conservative deputy leader), Rachael Hamilton (Conservative deputy leader) and Senga Beresford (Reform UK MSP) urged withdrawal of Manivannan's whip.
Tracy Gilbert (Labour MP) called the remarks “alarming”, said there is no spectrum of rape, and demanded a retraction.
Manivannan said the clip was mis-represented and that his remark addressed legal definitions.

History

Historical Context

Bill Clinton signed the Violence Against Women Act on September 13 1994, allocating $1.6 billion and creating the DOJ’s Office on Violence Against Women. The law’s bipartisan origins and later Supreme Court challenges shaped ongoing debates over consent and victim services. In February 2025, Manivannan’s “rape is a spectrum” comment sparked a rebuke in the Scottish Parliament, with members Thomas Kerr and Senga Beresford demanding a retraction.

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Story summary

Q Manivannan (Scottish Green MSP) said “rape is a spectrum” on a February 2025 podcast.
Thomas Kerr (Conservative deputy leader), Rachael Hamilton (Conservative deputy leader) and Senga Beresford (Reform UK MSP) urged withdrawal of Manivannan's whip.
Tracy Gilbert (Labour MP) called the remarks “alarming”, said there is no spectrum of rape, and demanded a retraction.
Manivannan said the clip was mis-represented and that his remark addressed legal definitions.

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