Nothing could better illustrate the difference between American elections and those in Britain – specifically Scotland – than the plight of Kate Forbes, a candidate to lead the Scottish National Party. Ms Forbes encountered more than the usual challenges in seeking to become Scotland’s First Minister. She is a member of the Free Church of Scotland and shares with Catholics what were hitherto uncontroversial views about gay marriage, conversion therapy, abortion and gender self-identification. As this issue goes to press, it is not yet clear whether she will be successful; what is clear is that she has been subjected to astonishing vilification on account of her views. She has weathered online abuse and virtual ostracism from some political colleagues.