An SNP politician faced a Twitter backlash for saying the “girl does not always say yes first time” during an online debate about independence.
John Mason, the MSP for Glasgow Shettleston, made the “ill-judged” comment on Monday night as he highlighted SNP efforts to move Scotland towards majority support for secession from the UK.
It was seen by some on social media as belittling issues around sexual consent, but Mr Mason said it had been misinterpreted.
He tweeted: “Marginal view was no to indy. We hope to change that. The girl does not always say yes first time!”
Scottish Labour leader Kezia Dugdale said Nicola Sturgeon must now decide what disciplinary action should be taken against Mr Mason.
“This is an entirely unacceptable comment from SNP MSP John Mason, which has caused considerable offence and hurt,” Ms Dugdale said.
Marginal view was no to indy. We hope to change that. The girl does not always say yes first time!
— John Mason (@JohnMasonMSP) January 2, 2017
Scottish Conservative equalities spokeswoman Annie Wells described it as an “ill-judged” comment that comes “at a time when we are trying to tackle domestic abuse and violence against women”.
“It probably read worse than he intended, and as such he should reflect on the remark,” she added.
“MSPs are in a position of responsibility and influence, which is why tweets like this can be so damaging.”
Mr Mason apologised if his choice of words had been misconstrued.
”This was intended to be an entirely harmless tweet about – apparently more innocent days – when asking a girl for a dance or a social event might be turned down – and it was always worth asking again,” he said.
“I am sorry if it was misinterpreted as something else – which of course I would never condone.”
