Call for LGBT support in schools
EQUALITY campaigners are urging Scots politicians to pledge their support for proposals to introduce LGBT education i nto Scottish schools.
The Time for Inclusive Education (TIE) campaign group has launched an online pledge today, appealing for MSPs and members of the public to support their calls for a new nation- al strategy to tackle homophobic bullying in schools.
Founders Liam Stevenson and Jordan Daly, both from Cumbernauld, have called for new legislation to be i ntroduced within the current parliament requiring all teachers to be trained on how to tackle homophobic abuse in class.
A study by the group found that 90 per cent of Scots LGBT pupils faced bullying in school, while 42 per cent have attempted suicide at least once.
A TIE spokesperson said: “Our aim is to ensure that all schools across the country are safe and supportive environments for LGBT young people, and we have very clear proposals as to how we get there.
“We would urge members of the public and all MSPs who agree with us that it is time to take action against homophobic, biphobic and transphobic bullying in schools to sign our pledge and show they are committed to addressing the issues facing LGBT learners during this term of parliament.
“We are encouraged by the support our campaign has generated over the last year, but it is now time for action.”