Scottish Tory leader Jackson Carlaw has tweeted out a message in support of International Women's Day ... need we remind him that he may be part of the problem?
On this #InternationalWomensDay I’m proud to work alongside and have served with so many inspirational and dynamic women.
— Jackson Carlaw MSP (@Jackson_Carlaw) March 8, 2020
Organisations like @scottorywomen & @w2wScotland are crucial to ensuring we get more fantastic women elected to Holyrood. #IWD2020
75%-male cabinet
In his latest shadow cabinet reshuffle, the senior Scots Tory was criticised by Nicola Sturgeon for a "shockingly poor" gender diversity.
After ditching Michelle Ballantyne from his front bench in favour of Graham Simpson, Carlaw's 75%-male crew is far from something to be celebrated.
Rape Clause
In April 2019, Carlaw described the Tories' hugely controversial rape clause as “awkward” and defended the measure, claiming it should not be scrapped.
The rape clause meant that victims of rape who conceived a child during an attack or coercive relationship would have to declare the circumstances of conception to qualify as an exemption to child tax credit and Universal credit cuts.
READ MORE: Jackson Carlaw's track record 'exposed' by SNP dossier
It is seen as a major breach of women's rights.
At the time, Carlaw said: "Any form of welfare benefit reform is difficult. It touches on sensitive issues.
"Back in 2015, we were committed to welfare reform and one of those reforms was that there would be a child tax credit for the first two children in each family.
"Multiple births was one of [the exemptions], children adopted from care was another and also any child that was born as the result of non-consensual sex.
"We think that it's right that benefit should be attached but I accept it's an awkward policy."
Insulting female leader's hair
In September, during his first Holyrood appearance after taking over from Ruth Davidson, Carlaw found himself accused of "insulting practically every woman in the country".
During a heated exchange with Nicola Sturgeon, he said: "Listen First Minister, at least I've got a full head of my own naturally coloured hair.”
Responding in the chamber, Sturgeon had said: “Let's not gloss over the fact that within a matter days of losing their female leader, the interim leader has managed to insult practically every woman in the country with that I would say rather ill advise quip at the start of his rather ill-advised rant.”
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