On the final day of the Scottish Parliament before MSPs broke for summer recess, Stirling MSP Bruce Crawford helped to promote the Time for Inclusive Education (TIE) campaign by wearing a rainbow tie, provided by the LGBT+ equality charity.
The TIE campaign works with the Scottish Government and other organisations to combat homophobia, biphobia and transphobia in schools through inclusive education.
Scotland has recently ranked top of the list in terms of legal protections for LGBT+ people. However, schools can still be difficult places for LGBT+ people, where instances of bullying are far too common.
Mr Crawford joined other MSPs who wore their TIE campaign ties in the Parliament Chamber during the last First Minister’s Questions before Holyrood broke for recess.
Commenting, Bruce Crawford said:
“June is LGBT+ Pride Month and it is important that we do what we can to mark this occasion.
“As a society, we have made huge progress in terms of furthering LGBT+ rights and protections. I was very proud to support the legalisation of same-sex marriage in Scotland more than four years ago – and just last month, the Scottish Parliament voted unanimously to pass a law that pardons gay men who had been convicted of historical sexual offences.
“These changes set the tone for the type of society we are, and want to be. However, we must do more. Far too many young people still grow up in fear because of who they are.
“School life should be an enjoyable and inclusive experience for everyone, regardless of their sexuality.
“I fully support the TIE campaign and the work they do with schools and young LGBT+ people and I was very proud to wear my rainbow tie on the last day of Parliament.”