KATE Forbes has backed anti-transgender comedian Graham Linehan following a row over a Fringe show cancellation.
The writer and comic was scheduled to be featured in a Comedy Unleashed show at Leith Arches as a "famous cancelled comedian".
However, when the organisers announced that this would be Linehan, bosses at Leith Arches said they were no longer willing to host the event and wouldn't let the comedian "violate" their space.
Linehan has been criticised for claiming that the "gender identity movement" is "paedophilic" and previously said that "almost every central trans figure is a nonce".
READ MORE: Let's look at how media handled the strange case of Graham Linehan
However, Forbes said it was “remarkable” that he had had “such a difficult time”.
Speaking as she appeared at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe with comedian Matt Forde, the MSP said: “I think that people pick a target and go after that target and they’re not content until they are destroyed.
“But I think it is a really, really scary time to be a comedian because your shows, your art relies in part on causing offence. And some of it I find quite offensive.”
READ MORE: Cancelled Graham Linehan Fringe gig to go ahead in new venue
She told Forde (above) she had come on stage with him “with an element of trepidation”, saying of his jokes: “They are hilarious, but not when you’re the butt of them.”
Forbes said while comics can cause offence, she added: “Offence needs to be caused and he is a comedian and he’s not inciting violence as far as I can see.
"He is a comedian making jokes with the currency of offence and that needs to be protected.”
Forbes was also asked about the “partial rehabilitation” of Alex Salmond (below) after the former first minister was cleared of a series of sexual assault charges.
She said she had seen the former first minister on the television a “number of times” as he seeks to “offer views and opinions on a whole host of different things”.
She added: “I think right now it speaks to a deeper problem, which is perhaps within the independence movement – a desire to look for natural leaders that will unite the independence movement.
“I think if you look at some of the marches and so on, and he’s been a primary speaker, I think there is a desire to look for a leader amongst the independence movement, and I think that should be Humza Yousaf.
“It should be Humza Yousaf and I know Humza is working hard to do that, to unite the movement. But that’s what’s needed.”
Asked if Keir Starmer’s party could “win big” in Scotland at the next General Election, the SNP MSP said: “I think nothing is guaranteed at the moment.
“I think between now and then all boils down to whether people believe what Labour are promising them, and secondly whether people are excited by what the Scottish Government, the SNP, are doing.
“It boils down to, I think, the challenges and struggles people are contending with just now, cost of living and the impact on the bottom line and what that means for families.”
READ MORE: Prince Andrew drives himself to Balmoral to visit King Charles
First Minister Humza Yousaf will set out his policy agenda for the coming year when Holyrood returns after its summer recess, with the Programme for Government detailing the legislation his administration will bring forward.
Forbes said this gave Yousaf a “great opportunity” to set out his plans.
She said: “I know he has got lots of ideas. If those can break through, excite voters to turn out and vote, then I don’t think there is any guarantees Labour are going to win big.
“I think the greatest danger is that SNP voters are not excited enough about getting out to vote because of all the distractions. Excite them and they will get out to vote.”
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