The SNP’s Westminster deputy leader has said she was “incredibly hurt” by Kate Forbes’ comments on gay marriage.
Mhairi Black lashed out at the party’s leadership contender on Twitter, saying allowing religion to dictate how you vote on politics is a show of “bigotry”.
Launching her campaign earlier this week to succeed Nicola Sturgeon, Ms Forbes said she would not have voted for legislation to legalize gay marriage in 2014 if she had been an MSP at the time.
Many people have asked me my point of view on the leadership contest. To tell you the truth, they have hurt me incredibly so far. Damage originating from declarations @_KateForbes has done and has been waiting ever since. I, like most people in Scotland, couldn’t care less about someone’s religion. (1/10)
— Mhairi Black MP🏳️🌈 (@MhairiBlack) February 24, 2023
In the days that followed, he faced backlash over the comments and lost some of his most prominent patrons.
She issued a statement on the controversy on Thursday, saying she had been “overwhelmed” by the damage it had caused and assuring Scots she does not want to roll back marriage equality laws.
But just hours after Forbes, Ash Regan and Humza Yousaf were confirmed as candidates in the leadership race, Black, who married his wife last year, said: “A lot of people have asked me my thoughts on the race. for leadership. To tell you the truth, they have hurt me incredibly so far.
“Pain that originated with the statements that @_KateForbes has made and has remained on the sidelines ever since. I, like most people in Scotland, couldn’t care less about someone’s religion.
“If your faith says you can’t drink alcohol, then don’t. If your religion says you can’t get same-sex marriage, then don’t. If your religion doesn’t allow abortion, don’t do it.
However, the moment you use your religion to justify voting against him having access to any of the above, then you are showing intolerance. (3/10)
— Mhairi Black MP🏳️🌈 (@MhairiBlack) February 24, 2023
“However, the moment you use your religion to justify voting against my having access to any of the above, then you are the one showing bigotry.
“What you practice in your own time and how you subscribe to living your life is your business, but as a legislator, if you choose to allow your religion to try to deny me my basic human rights, then you make it my business. .”
Some politicians weighed in to call for an end to criticism of the Scottish Finance Secretary for her comments, with the MP’s and SNP rebel Joanna Cherry urging senior party figures to “shut the dogs up”.
Ms Forbes herself condemned the “illiberal discourse” around her faith.
But Ms Black dismissed the claims.
In recent days, the questions have focused on my faith. I feel very burdened and embarrassed that some of my responses to direct questions in the media have caused harm to friends, colleagues and fellow citizens. That was never my intention, but I have listened carefully. /2
—Kate Forbes MSP (@_KateForbes) February 23, 2023
“The idea that Kate is being ‘hunted’, or that there is a ‘witch hunt’ or ‘unionist media plot’ against her is totally fanciful at best and a dangerous conspiracy theory at worst. “, said.
“Holding candidates to account and looking at what they themselves have said, on camera, voluntarily, as a pitch to be Scotland’s next Foreign Secretary, is not abuse.”
Ms Black went on to say how she and others can support a leader who believes her marriage should not be legally recognized is “beyond me.”
She added: “Kate has not only endangered many activists and members, but has alienated sections of the population before it even started.
“We need, and should expect, better judgment, communication and leadership skills if we are to convince others of independence.”