There was disappointment in the amendment passed, but still a great debate. How long before “gendered analysis” means nothing more than mystic justifications for privilege and oppression?
Video Below.
Text of Minutes
6. Violence Against Men: The Minister for Housing and Communities (Alex Neil) moved S3M-6531—That the Parliament recognises that domestic abuse is a very serious and totally unacceptable problem in Scottish society; notes in particular that all victims, whether they be women, men or children, deserve appropriate support, and therefore welcomes the Scottish Government’s provision of funding for a support helpline for male victims, which will provide the further information about their needs that is required before any future decisions about services are made.
Johann Lamont moved amendment S3M-6531.2 to motion S3M-6531— “, and reaffirms that domestic abuse is rooted in gender inequality, that overwhelmingly victims are women and that eradicating domestic abuse will only succeed where that pattern is acknowledged.”
After debate, the amendment was agreed to ((DT) by division: For 85, Against 27, Abstentions 3).
John Lamont moved amendment S3M-6531.1 to motion S3M-6531—“, and requires the Scottish Government to report back to the Parliament with further details on the information collected and what action it plans to take before any future decisions about services are made.”
After debate, the amendment was disagreed to ((DT) by division: For 28, Against 42, Abstentions 46).
The motion, as amended, was then agreed to ((DT) by division: For 85, Against 17, Abstentions 14).
Accordingly, the Parliament resolved—That the Parliament recognises that domestic abuse is a very serious and totally unacceptable problem in Scottish society; notes in particular that all victims, whether they be women, men or children, deserve appropriate support; therefore welcomes the Scottish Government’s provision of funding for a support helpline for male victims, which will provide the further information about their needs that is required before any future decisions about services are made, and reaffirms that domestic abuse is rooted in gender inequality, that overwhelmingly victims are women and that eradicating domestic abuse will only succeed where that pattern is acknowledged.
