A rape support centre in Glasgow has broken its ties with Rape Crisis Scotland amid a row over gender.
Glasgow and Clyde Rape Crisis confirmed it has split from the supervision of the umbrella charity, saying it was prioritising an “all-female workforce”.
According to the BBC, the centre claims this was “at odds” with Rape Crisis Scotland.
Rape Crisis Scotland chief executive Sandy Brindley apologised last month after the CEO of another member centre in Edinburgh, a trans woman, was found to have behaved unprofessionally while she headed the organisation.
Edinburgh Rape Crisis Centre also failed to provide women-only spaces for 16 months.
At the time, Ms Brindley made clear that all member centres should provide single-sex spaces, but said there was no reason why transgender people could not work in rape support centres.
A spokesperson for the board of Glasgow and Clyde Rape Crisis told the BBC: “After careful consideration, we have concluded that the interests of our organisation, and those that rely on our services, will be best served and represented outwith membership of RCS.
“We were created to provide support by and for women. We believe, and women have consistently told us, that single-sex services delivered by an all-female workforce are crucial to help them heal from sexual trauma. This approach remains our priority but is at odds with RCS’.”
A spokesperson for Rape Crisis Scotland said: “Our member centres deliver services in a variety of ways, tailored to the needs of the communities they serve. What is fundamental across all Rape Crisis Services is that survivors’ needs are at the centre of their provision.”
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