New equality campaign for Scotland

Scottish Government launches Scotland believes in equality campaign across Scotland and a new website to promote equality north of the border.

The campaign aims to celebrate the huge progress that Scotland has made towards achieving LGBTI equality, from the initial decriminalisation of homosexuality in 1980 to the passage of equal marriage legislation earlier this year, whilst recognising that more needs to be done to achieve full equality for LGBTI people in the law and society.

The Equality Network, Scotland equality charity have welcomed the launch of the campaign during the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games when the eyes of the world are focused on Scotland, saying it shows Scotland is truly proud to demonstrate its commitment to LGBTI equality.

Tom French, Policy Coordinator for the Equality Network, said: “Scotland’s devolved Government and Parliament should be proud of the progress they’ve made towards LGBTI equality since 1999. We welcome this campaign with its strong message that equality is a core value in Scotland. There is still a lot more to do of course to end discrimination, but with this kind of commitment, we would expect progress to continue.”

The launch of the new campaign comes just days after the Commonwealth Games opening ceremony, watched by over a billion people worldwide, which included a same-sex kiss in celebration of the passage of equal marriage legislation in Scotland earlier this year.

The Scottish Government are also flying the rainbow flag, in support of LGBTI equality, from St Andrew’s House throughout the Games.

For more information about the Equality Network, CLICK HERE: