Militant misogynist Roosh V says rape should not punishable by law when done off public grounds
A petition has been launched to have a pro-rape campaigner banned from organising events in Scotland.
Daryush Valizadeh, known as Roosh V, has organised meet-ups for his supporters in 43 countries, including in Scotland, this Saturday (February 6).
Roosh V, a self-styled pick-up guru, has published at least 17 books he describes as “strategy guides for getting laid at home and abroad”.
The Scottish events will take place in Glasgow and Edinburgh.
Those attending are being told to turn up in George Square or the Grassmarket at 8pm. They are being told to identify each other by asking fellow men "Do you know where I can find a pet shop?" and to answer "Yes, it’s right here". Those identified will then told secret locations to go to have their meeting.
Promoting rape is hate speech, and should be treated as such.
So far over 44,000 people have signed a petition on the 38 Degrees website calling for him not to be allowed to hold the events.
It was posted by Cat Boyd of the left wing alliance RISE. She said Roosh V should not be allowed to promote his hateful violent views in our cities.
She said: “RooshV, a militant pro-rape pick-up artist is holding gatherings for his followers in Glasgow and Edinburgh. This makes our cities unsafe for at least half the population. Promoting rape is hate speech, and should be treated as such.”
In an astonishing tirade last year in a blog "How to stop rape", Valizadeh proposed making rape legal if done on private property.
He wrote: “I propose that we make the violent taking of a woman not punishable by law when done off public grounds.
“If rape becomes legal under my proposal, a girl will protect her body in the same manner that she protects her purse and smartphone.
“If rape becomes legal, a girl will not enter an impaired state of mind where she can’t resist being dragged off to a bedroom with a man who she is unsure of — she’ll scream, yell, or kick at his attempt while bystanders are still around.
“If rape becomes legal, she will never be unchaperoned with a man she doesn’t want to sleep with.
“After several months of advertising this law throughout the land, rape would be virtually eliminated on the first day it is applied.”
Roosh V goes on to say “bad encounters” would be sure to occur but these can be “learning experiences for the poorly trained woman”.
According to his website Saturday’s events are strictly for heterosexual men and he has urged those attending to film and send footage of any “crazy feminists” that show up so that “so we can tear them up”.
He also wrote: “Our views are becoming known enough that we can “come out” of the shadows and not have to hide behind a computer screen for fear of retaliation.
“Up to now, the enemy has been able to exert their power by isolating us and attacking with shrieking mobs, but we’ll be able to neutralize that tactic by amassing in high numbers come February 6.
“I will exact furious retribution upon anyone who challenges you in public on that date (remember to record them).
“Therefore let the sixth of February be a clear signal to all that we’re not going anywhere. We have finally arrived.”
Despite Roosh V’s attempts to intimidate, hundreds have intimated they will attend to protest against the event.
Social activist Vonny Moyes and RISE: Women's Network have both arranged for people to gather in George Square on Saturday night at 8pm.
The Edinburgh University Feminist Society has organised for a similar protest in Edinburgh’s Grassmarket at 8pm.
A spokesperson for the charity Rape Crisis Scotland called for Roosh V to be charged for organising the events: "Rape is a serious crime which can have devastating consequences, and Rape Crisis Scotland believes that if someone’s actions amount to incitement to rape, they should be subject to criminal charges.
"Given how prevalent rape-condoning attitudes already are in this country, we take the view that if activities and views such as those espoused by Roosh V are not already covered by existing legislation, the Scottish Government should give serious consideration to creating a new offence of incitement to hatred of women."
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Sex without consent is rape. There are no excuses. If someone is drunk or drugged they cannot give consent.
“Police Scotland works closely with partner organisations to raise awareness and tackle the life changing impact of sexual crime.
“We must do all we can to prevent rape and sexual assaults amongst offering all the necessary support and protection to those who are victims.”
A Glasgow City Council spokesman said: "This group does not have permission to use George Square for an event and never will. It certainly does not have any right to tell women to not enter the Square. Any threats made against the public are a matter for police."
