The candidate for the succession of Scottish independence Prime Minister Nicola Sturgeon, Kate Forbes, finds herself in difficulties because of her conservative positions after statements on gay marriage.
32-year-old member of the Free Church of Scotland, Kate Forbes said on Monday she would have voted against same-sex marriage, passed in 2014 by the Scottish Parliament, if she had been a member of it. era.
Support withdrawals
The church she belongs to opposes abortion in most circumstances, gay marriage and gender reassignment.
While she was considered a favourite, the statements of Kate Forbes earned her to see a number of elected officials in the local Parliament of Holyrood withdraw their support, in a race triggered by the surprise resignation of the independence Prime Minister Nicola Sturgeon, leader of the independence party SNP.
However, Kate Forbes assured that her campaign was “
absolutely not
” over before it really started.
"
I understand that people have very strong opinions on these issues
", but "
the public wants politicians who give frank answers to frank questions
", she argued on Tuesday on the BBC.
She assured that she would defend "
the rights of all in a pluralistic and tolerant society to live and love without harassment and without fear
", before regretting a little later on Times Radio the "
pain
" created by her remarks.
Read alsoLondon blocks the road to Scottish independence
Kate Forbes had also explained that she would not have voted for the controversial bill, adopted by the Scottish Parliament but blocked by London, on gender change.
She was on maternity leave when elected officials voted for this text which removes the requirement for a medical and psychiatric diagnosis when applying for a gender recognition certificate, and lowers the minimum age to do so from 18 to 16. years.
Kate Forbes is one of three declared candidates, alongside Health Minister Humza Yousaf and former Minister Ash Regan.
Candidates have until Friday to declare themselves, before SNP members vote on March 13 and 27.
Read alsoNicola Sturgeon, the "Queen of Scotland", resigns
Nicola Sturgeon, 52, announced her resignation on February 15, after eight years in power, explaining that she no longer had
the "energy
" necessary to continue to carry out her task at 100%.
His departure leaves a great void and plunges the Scottish independence movement into uncertainty, while London still refuses to hold a new referendum.
Separatists believe Brexit has been a game-changer since the 2014 vote, when Scots voted 55% to stay in the UK, but failed to garner the massive public support they hoped for. .
