Far-right politicians frequently express concern about the sexual abuse of women, girls, and young men, yet their actions often contradict their rhetoric. In particular, members of the new American administration are making some very strong statements about the importance of protecting rape victims.
Double standards in leadership
Why did Donald Trump boast about his ability to grab women by the “pussy” and get away with it because he is famous? How has that made women safer? How can someone who has openly admitted to predatory behaviour, and been found guilty of sexual abuse, be considered an authority on protecting rape victims? Why do so many of those who dismiss his comments as just the forgivable banter of a loveable rogue, think only Asian men could have dubious attitudes towards women?
Speaking of banter, why did so many police officers in London think it was innocent banter to refer to one of their own as ‘The Rapist’ after he started exposing himself to women – before he went on to murder Sarah Everard? In what way did that contribute to protecting women?
It would also be interesting to know why rape victims in Texas are compelled by law to carry their rapist’s child to term, even when childbirth poses a direct threat to their lives? How does that help protect vulnerable women?
Is there perhaps some slight tendency in officialdom to fail to listen to the victims of abuse, whatever community they come from and whoever their abusers might be? Why is it so difficult to successfully prosecute men accused of rape? Has anyone on the far right ever cast doubts on the word of a woman who has accused a powerful man of assaulting her? Has anyone on the far right ever tried to excuse the attitudes of the Tate brothers and facilitated their dangerous theories that grooming women for sex is a skill that can be taught if a young man pays them enough money?
Failures in accountability
What is it about the sincere and deep Christian faith that so many on the right claim to hold, that makes them believe silence is the best approach when one of their own is preying on and sexually abusing children and young people? Why are so many of the men who behave in this way quietly transferred to new jobs? Why did the established church in England turn a blind eye to a known child abuser moving to Africa, implying that abuse there is more acceptable than it is in England? How does this square with the theory that it is mainly Muslims who have attitudes that facilitate abuse?
Why did the last Conservative government fail to implement the 20 recommendations made after a public enquiry into child sexual abuse? What is it about delays and bureaucracy that Reform UK Party Limited loves so much that they wish to launch yet another enquiry instead of getting on with implementing those recommendations?
The dangers of toxic rhetoric
And what is so brilliant about Elon Musk’s parenting skills that one of his children refuses to speak to him? How does this failure qualify him to comment on best practices in child protection?
How does pumping out false accusations of being a rape enabler protect women politicians in the UK from the same fate that befell Jo Cox? How does toxic language make women safer?
Could it just possibly be that there is a tiny element of hypocrisy or double standards in the right’s mindset that claims to care so much about abuse? Or have I underestimated their deep, long-standing and so very sincere commitment to women’s rights?
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