A CONTROVERSIAL new clause in claims for tax credits has led to widespread condemnation and street protests.

The introduction of a two-child limit and non-consensual sex exemption — dubbed the rape clause — means benefit will only be paid if a third or subsequent child was conceived as a result of rape.

Tax credit claimants will now have to prove this to social workers and health professionals in order to qualify for the exemption, but many organisations have criticised the policy.

These include faith leaders, women’s welfare groups and trade unions with many sexual violence support charities refusing to act as third party verifiers for the Government.

Chronicle readers were outraged, with comments made such as ‘barbaric’ and ‘sickening’ on our social media pages.

Similar sentiments have been expressed by Cumnock’s representatives at Holyrood and Westminster.

MP Corri Wilson said: “These latest raft of cuts to social security mark yet another new low from this austerity-obsessed Tory government.

"Frankly, I am disgusted by a government that puts survivors of rape in this distressing position where they are forced to prove to the Department for Work and Pensions that their child is the product of rape in order to receive the support that they need. Theresa May should be ashamed of herself.

“The two child cap on child tax credits is a cruel and unhelpful measure which largely penalises families who are already in work.

“Governments should protect and support their people, not deliberately force children into poverty and cause untold suffering to survivors of rape.

“I therefore continue to urge the government to show some humanity and end this awful policy immediately.”

MSP Jeane Freeman echoed the opinion, made by our reader Marian Donnelly, that the policy is ‘barbaric’.

Ms Freeman, MSP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley said: “None of us know the day when a sudden change in personal circumstances might lead to us needing support, and families should not face poverty simply because of the size of their family.

“However, this is made worse by the rape clause exemption, where women will have to complete an eight page form about matters which are private and difficult. The UK Tory government shows no understanding of either poverty or violence against women.

“I worry about the children who will be stigmatised by this.”

Rape Crisis Scotland is urging people to make their feelings known to politicians, with head of the Scottish Conservative Party, Ruth Davidson, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and Prime Minister Theresa May suggested recipients.