There has been a mixed reaction to the SNP’s decision to proceed with Women-Only Short Lists for candidates to stand for office. Some see it as a sign of the Party’s determination to increase the number of women in politics while others see it as either discriminating against men who might be better candidates or even as insulting women by sending them the message that they are not good enough to stand for office on their own merits but need a helping hand.

It’s a difficult situation and it’s possible to see and even agree with both sides of the argument as each point of view has some merits.

The main thing is that, while discrimination in any form is a bad thing, we do not live in an equal society. The simple fact is that the culture within politics is such that it remains dominated by men. Waiting for politics to catch up with society’s views would mean equality within politics could take years. Sometimes, like it or not, legislation or, as in this case, internal rules are necessary to bring about the desired result in the hope that, eventually, society will catch up and adopt the principles as a matter of course.

Throughout history we have seen examples of market forces and cultural perspectives bringing about things that today we regard as horrendous. The Slave trade was ended by legislation, not by market forces. Children used to work in factories until legislation ended that practice too. Most people didn’t wear seat belts in cars until legislation changed society’s views. Smoking was acceptable in public places until legislation made going out to pubs and restaurants a much more pleasant experience for the majority who don’t smoke.

Discrimination is unhealthy but it exists. Sadly, passing laws and adopting internal rules as the SNP have done seem to be necessary in order to alter society’s view. It may turn out to be an incorrect decision and it will inevitably lead to some anomalies and even unfair decisions on candidate selection but at least it is a sign that the Party are prepared to do something to overcome the appalling gender imbalance in British politics. Let’s hope we can soon reach the day when such rules are not required but, until then, we should support the efforts to bring about a cultural shift because the existing practices simply aren’t working.