Holyrood motion accuses BBC of 'protecting Douglas Ross from criticism'

The Tory leader had branded the SNP-Green deal “anti-families” on the day it was announced, a criticism which was widely derided as not being “fit for Scottish politics in the 21st century”.

SNP MSP Karen Adam, who was raised in a same-sex household, called on Ross to “break down” exactly what he meant by the remark, which has historically been used to argue against LGBT rights.

READ MORE: SNP MSP launches blistering takedown of Douglas Ross 'anti-families' comment

However, The National revealed that in the BBC’s report on the SNP-Green deal, which included Ross’s comments, the anti-family line was omitted.

Instead, the corporation paraphrased the Scots Tory, telling readers he had said the deal “would punish hardworking families”.

Now, SNP MSP James Dornan (above) has lodged a motion in the Scottish Parliament accusing the BBC of protecting Ross from “valid criticism” by editing his statement.

Motion S6M-00940, lodged on August 30, asks MSPs to recognise:

“That the Parliament is disappointed with the BBC editing of a statement made by Douglas Ross, via Twitter, regarding the cooperation agreement between the Scottish National Party and Scottish Green Party, in which he used the term, ‘anti-families’; considers that this phrase is often used to vilify pro-LGBTQI+ policies; understands that, when reporting on the statement, the BBC removed this term, which it believes protected Douglas Ross from what it sees as valid criticism; reminds the BBC of what it sees as its responsibility to report fairly and accurately, and requests that, in future, the broadcaster provides full context when quoting politicians and political parties’ statements.”

A BBC spokesperson previously told The National that their website's article had "reflected Mr Ross's main criticisms".

The Scottish Tories have been approached for comment.