Glasgow and Clyde Rape Crisis charity refuses donation from anti-immigration group

A Glasgow rape charity has rejected a donation from an anti-immigration group.

Scottish Citizens Army says it donated women’s hygiene kits to Glasgow & Clyde Rape Crisis (GCRC), which were accepted.

But the group has now criticised the charity on social media after GCRC rejected any further donations from them.

GCRC said concerns had been raised about some messaging and comments associated with the group, which appeared to link sexual violence with immigration status.

In a post on X, Scottish Citizens Army said: “Staff accepted our women’s essential hygiene kits on the day.

“Hours later they rejected any further fundraising purely because of our positions on immigration and community safety. Politics over survivors.”

The charity said every decision it makes regarding fundraising, activities, and partnerships is guided by its duty to protect survivors.

A spokesperson for GCRC said: “Glasgow & Clyde Rape Crisis (GCRC) exists to support all women and girls in the Glasgow and Clyde area who have experienced rape or sexual violence, and every decision we take is guided by our duty to protect survivors.

“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.

“Concerns were raised about some of the messaging and comments associated with the Scottish Citizen Army fundraiser, including messages linking sexual violence to an individual’s immigration status.”

The charity added it does not hold or advocate a position on immigration policy and its sole concern is ensuring every survivor can access support.

Scottish Citizens Army said it is not a political party, and all donations made through its fundraiser will be refunded.