Scotland’s First Minister has blasted social media ‘cowards’ for dishing out ‘toxic abuse’ to Holyrood hopefuls.
Nicola Sturgeon sent a series of messages on Twitter hailing those who have put themselves forward for the upcoming Scottish Parliament elections in May 2021.
The SNP leader spoke out after Rhiannon Spear, who is seeking to represent Argyll and Bute, fell victim to horrific misogynistic abuse having previously defended transgender rights.
Sturgeon has also called on her fellow serving parliamentarians to defend the newcomers regardless of party politics.
She tweeted: “A shout out to everyone - in all parties - standing for s/election to @ScotParl for the first time.
"You will face abuse on here - especially if you have the temerity to be a woman and/or from one of our BAME communities.
"But stand strong and don't be silenced...
"Bullies are cowards and that's just as true on social media as it is in real life.
"By putting yourself forward, you are already showing more guts than any keyboard warrior hurling abuse.
"And to my fellow 'old timers' in politics - we should have the backs of those who are not as inured to it as we are, and call out abuse on here when we see it, even when it's from our own 'side'.
"Disagreement is what democracy is all about - vile, toxic abuse is not.
"And on the subject of calling it out even when it's on my own 'side', disagree with @RhiannonV as much as you like, but leave out the misogynistic abuse."
Ms Spears has previously spoken out in support of transgender rights and reform of the Gender Recognition Act, which has seen her targeted on social media.
