Rape charity rejects donations from immigration campaign group

A Glasgow charity which supports the survivors of rape says it has turned down a donation from a group which is calling for tighter immigration laws.

A grouping known as Scottish Citizens Army said it had given women's hygiene kits to Glasgow & Clyde Rape Crisis (GCRC).

But in a statement, GCRC said it could not accept further donations from the group because of concerns about "messaging" associated with the fundraiser.

Scottish Citizens Army said it was "disgusted" by the decision.

The group says it stands for "defending Scotland's women, kids & sovereignty" and denies suggestions that it promotes far right viewpoints.

It describes itself as a "community group concerned with the safety and wellbeing of women and children, safeguarding, housing pressure, and the capacity of public services in Scotland".

In a post on X, it complailned that staff at the rape charity had initially accepted donations of hygiene kits, but hours later rejected further fundraising "purely because of our positions on immigration and community safety".

GCRC charity said it did not want to be dragged into controversy, and that its role was to support women and girls living with the trauma of rape and sexual violence.

But in order to protect its independence and ensure survivors felt welcome, it said it could not accept donations that might be interpreted as endorsing a particular political viewpoint.

In a statement, it said: "To maintain the trust of everyone who turns to us, we exercise careful judgement about the fundraising activities, partnerships and public discourse associated with our name."

The charity said concerns had been raised about "some of the messaging and comments" associated with the fundraiser, including "messages linking sexual violence to an individual's immigration status".

It added: "Glasgow & Clyde Rape Crisis does not hold or advocate a position on immigration policy.

"Our sole concern is ensuring that every survivor of sexual violence can access support, irrespective of their nationality, background or immigration status."

The Scottish Citizen Army responded with a series of social media posts in which it said it was not a political party or "politically aligned with any".

One post continued: "We have never said we are against immigration.

"We support a fair and lawful immigration system. Our concerns are about high levels of migration and the pressure this places on housing, services and community safety."