Scottish Green MSP Q Manivannan Faces Backlash After Saying Rape Exists on a ‘Spectrum’

Scottish Green MSP Q Manivannan is facing political backlash after a podcast clip resurfaced in which the politician described rape as a “spectrum.” (The Times)

The comments prompted criticism from women’s campaigners and politicians from several Scottish parties, who argued that the language risked minimizing the seriousness and impact of rape. (The Times)

Manivannan later said the remarks had been taken out of context, explaining that the intention was not to diminish rape or excuse perpetrators, but to challenge stereotypes about sexual violence and emphasize that perpetrators do not always fit a stereotypical image. (The Times)

Manivannan has served as a Scottish Green MSP for Edinburgh and Lothians East since May 2026. (parliament.scot)