SNP MP Mhairi Black describes shocking misogynistic online abuse received in Parliament debate
'I struggle to see any joke in being systematically called a dyke, a rug muncher, a slut, a whore, a scruffy bint'
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Your support makes all the difference.Mhairi Black, an SNP MP, has described the misogynistic and homophobic abuse directed at her online as she repeated insults aimed at her which included the C-word.
The Paisley and Renfrewshire South MP said she felt uncomfortable recalling the graphic abuse but warned some people felt “comfortable flinging these words around every day”.
Her comments came during a Westminster Hall debate on Wednesday in which a number of MPs spoke out about the need to class misogyny as a hate crime.
The SNP MP detailed how she is regularly called a “wee boy”, adding: “I struggle to see any joke in being systematically called a dyke, a rug muncher, a slut, a whore, a scruffy bint. I’ve been told you can’t put lipstick on a pig, let the dirty bitch each shit and die.”
“I could soften some of this by talking about the C-word but the reality is there is no softening when you’re targeted with these words and you’re left reading them on my screen every day, day in, day out – she needs to kick the c***, guttural c***, ugly c***, wee animal c*** - there is no softening just how sexualised and misogynistic the abuse is.”
Ms Black added: “I've been assured multiple times that I don't have to worry because I am so ugly that no-one would want to rape me. All of these insults have been tailored to me because I am a woman.”
The MP also said there needs to be reflection on what happens in Parliament, with the “full extent of abuse and danger” women face on a daily basis only beginning to be realised.
Ms Black said: “Only a few weeks ago I was physically pressed up against a Member (of Parliament) in the voting lobby who is accused of sexual misconduct because there's so little room.
“Now, I don't think that's normal and I think it's fair to say that's something maybe that we should be looking at - something we should be talking about - because I'm blessed in that I have the same right and influence as any other elected man in this place, but what about all the female staff in here who don't?”
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