MSPTom hails new learning equality campaign
SNP politician Tom Arthur has given his backing to proposals to deliver a more a more inclusive education system by improving the experiences of LGBTI pupils.
The Scottish Governments has been working in partnership with the Time for Inclusive Education ( TIE) Campaign for more than 12 months to promote a new approach to sex and relationships education, while tackling LGBTI bullying and discrimination in schools.
Scotland’s deputy first minister and education secretary, John Swinney MSP, confirmed the Scottish Government will fully accept the recommendations of a report by the LGBTI Inclusive Education Working Group, who were tasked with taking the TIE pledges forward.
The report outlines 33 recommendations on how the learning experience of LGBTI young people in Scotland can be improved.
A team has been charged with implementing the proposals by the end of the current Parliamentary term.
The Scottish Government have already funded over £ 983,000 to organisations working to promote LGBTI equality in Scotland during the 2018/19 period.
A cross-party group of MSPs met to celebrate the announcement, wearing rainbow ties in support of Time for Inclusive Education (TIE) campaign.
Mr Arthur, MSP for Renfrewshire South, said: “Today marks a historic milestone in the ongoing drive for equality across Scotland. I am proud to stand in solidarity with our LGBTI community to ensure young people across the area receive the inclusive education they deserve.
“During Scotland’s Year of Young People, it is fitting for this SNP Government to send a strong message of inclusivity, tolerance and respect to younger generations.
“Offensive, out- dated views have no place in Renfrewshire, and the Scottish Government is clear that any form of bullying in our society will not be tolerated. I am proud that Scotland consistently tops international rankings for performance on LGBTI rights. “