AN SNP MP who faced a barrage of criticism for praising a performance which saw Ruth Davidson referred to as a 'dyke' now says she regrets any offence caused by the term.
Joanna Cherry tweeted her enjoyment of the "hilariously irreverent satire" from the comedy group Witsherface, after it performed a spoof rap battle at Sunday's Scottish Independence Convention in Glasgow.
READ MORE: Tories call for SNP MP apology in Ruth Davidson rap song row
One participant played a character called "Ruth 'Dykey' D", portraying the openly gay Scottish Tory leader. The character went on to make a series of inappropriate sexual comments to someone playing the 22-year-old SNP MP Mhairi Black, who is also gay. The rap saw Ms Davidson and a performer depicting Labour's Kezia Dugdale attacked as "poor excuses for women".
Joanna Cherry. (PA)
Wells, the Scottish Conservative equalities spokeswoman, wrote to Ms Cherry asking her to say sorry to Ms Davidson for endorsing what she described as a "direct attack on her sexuality". She also pointed to comments from charity Stonewall Scotland condemning use of the word 'dyke' which it cites as a specific example of homophobic language.
Responding, Ms Cherry stopped short of issuing a direct apology, saying she was among the gay women who had reclaimed the term and she now 'used it proudly.' She added: "I understand others are not comfortable with it and while the event and performance were not organised by me or the SNP I regret the offence that was caused."
READ MORE: Tories call for SNP MP apology in Ruth Davidson rap song row
Ms Cherry drew parallels with recent comments by Ms Davidson when she referred to Labour MP Angela Eagle as a "short-haired, flat shoes, shovel-faced lesbian". The SNP MP said that while she did not believe the comments were meant to be offensive some may have interpreted them in that way.
Her reply to Ms Wells added: "As you know I am an openly gay woman myself and I have spent my life campaigning for LGBTI rights – often against governments and politicians that were determined to hold back our equality.
"I saw yesterday’s performance as a lesbian woman watching a satirical comedy sketch written by lesbian women and performed by lesbian women, which mocked representatives of all political parties, including the SNP. In that context I did not believe it was intended to be offensive but I do understand why some find it to be.
"Similarly, I do not believe Ruth Davidson MSP’s recent comments about the openly gay politician Angela Eagle MP being a "short-haired, flat shoes, shovel-faced lesbian" were meant to be offensive but some may have taken it that way.
READ MORE: Tories call for SNP MP apology in Ruth Davidson rap song row
"I will continue to champion LGBTI equality. I have marched and campaigned for the last thirty years in support of LGBTI rights, including as a speaker at this year’s Pride in Edinburgh. I know you are also passionate about LGBTI equality and I look forward to the possibility of sharing a platform with you at future Prides."
Scottish Labour had earlier also condemned the lyrics of the rap performance, which came at an event which Alex Salmond and SNP minister Jeane Freeman participated in and marked the second anniversary of the independence referendum.
A Labour spokesman said: "The act performed at this Scottish independence event included homophobic language. It is important for politicians to challenge language like this, otherwise people will believe that such behaviour is acceptable.
"There can be no place in Scotland for intolerance, be it homophobic or in any other form. Tackling homophobia remains a major challenge, with a 20 per cent increase in 2015-16 in charges reported with an aggravation of prejudice relating to sexual orientation.
READ MORE: Tories call for SNP MP apology in Ruth Davidson rap song row
"It is therefore extremely disappointing that one SNP MP has tried to defend this performance. The SNP leadership should distance itself from Joanna Cherry’s comments."
A spokesman for the SNP said: "We condemn any form of homophobia - this was not an SNP event."
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