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Indian Origin Trans Scottish MSP Apologises Over ‘Rape Is a Spectrum’ Comments
Scottish Green MSP Q Manivannan apologised after facing backlash over podcast remarks describing rape as a ‘spectrum.’
Q Manivannan, a newly elected Scottish Green Party MSP for Edinburgh and Lothians East, has apologised after facing criticism over comments about rape made before being elected.
Manivannan, who is non-binary and uses they/them pronouns, made the remarks during The Subjective Space podcast, which was recorded in February 2025.
During the discussion, Manivannan said there was a "demonisation of rape" and described rape as being on a "spectrum". They explained that people may view different cases differently depending on the circumstances. They also said that society often imagines a rapist as a "big burly man" and argued that anyone can commit rape.
The podcast clips recently went viral and triggered strong criticism. The Scottish Rape Crisis Alliance said there is "no hierarchy of rape" and warned that such comments could make survivors question whether their experiences were serious enough.
Several politicians also criticised Manivannan, with the Scottish Conservatives calling for their suspension from the Scottish Greens.
In response, Manivannan apologised for causing hurt and distress. They said the viral clips were selectively edited and did not show the full discussion. They added that they had made it clear that every rape is serious and harmful but accepted that their language was too abstract.
Manivannan also said they are a survivor of sexual violence and would never want to minimise another survivor's experience. They said their intention was to challenge narrow ideas about who can commit rape and what such crimes look like, and they stressed that rapists should face the strongest punishment.
They have also offered to meet survivor and advocacy groups to listen to their concerns.