George Galloway attacked over controversial rape comments

MP faces criticism after playing down rape claims against Julian Assange

Respect MP George Galloway is facing criticism from anti-rape campaigners after suggesting Julian Assange's sexual conduct was just 'bad sexual etiquette' and did not constitute rape.

The controversial MP for Bradford West addressed the allegations made by two women, known only as Woman A and Woman B, against Assange during his online video broadcast 'Good Night with George Galloway'.

One of the women claimed Wikileaks founder Assange had sex with her while she was asleep, but Galloway has claimed that she 'had consexual sex with him, then woke up to him having sex with her again'.

He continued: 'This is something which can happen. I mean, not everybody needs to be asked prior to each insertion'.

'Some people believe that when you go to bed with somebody, take off your clothes, and have sex with them and then fall asleep, you're already in the sex game with them.

'It might be really bad manners not to have tapped her on the shoulder and said, 'do you mind if I do it again?'

'It might be really sordid and bad sexual etiquette, but whatever else it is, it is not rape or you bankrupt the term rape of all meaning.'

Katie Russell, spokesperson for Rape Crisis England and Wales says: 'It is very concerning that an elected MP should display such ignorance of the law for all the women and men he represents.

'It sends a negative message to all the women and girls who have experienced sexual violence and a disturbing message to perpetrators.'

Julian Assange is still in the Ecuadorean embassy attempting to avoid extradition to Sweden where he is wanted for questioning over the rape and sexual molestation claims.

What do you think about George Galloway's rape comments? Let us know in the comment box below.

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