WHETHER or not Murdo Fraser’s original comment justified being recorded as a hate crime, it certainly does deserve to be recorded as an example of why he is unfit to hold public office.
READ MORE: Murdo Fraser's concern over hate crime reeks of self-importance
The stupidity of the remark, presumably intended to introduce misplaced humour into what otherwise would have been an unremarkable statement, is not even original. It has become common currency amongst those who wish to ridicule non-binary individuals. As such it clearly constitutes a slur, and exemplifies the “it was just banter, for goodness sake” attitude towards minorities in general still prevalent amongst the more extreme members of his support base.
His carefully crafted legal letter to Police Scotland smacks of a desire to polarise the debate rather than to clarify the law, and simply draws further attention to the crassness of the original post.
Cameron Crawford
Rothesay
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel