The Commission for Equality and Human Rights pledged today to take a lead in eradicating discriminatory attitudes towards Scotland's LGBT people.
Speaking ahead of the publication of Challenging Prejudice: Recommendations of the LGBT Hearts and Minds Group, Morag Alexander, Scotland Commissioner for the Commission for Equality and Human Rights, said:
"This report is timely as it comes as we celebrate LGBT History Month. The report focuses on public attitudes towards LGBT people and it also asks some searching questions about the kind of Scotland we want to live in. Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered people are our children, friends, brothers, sisters and colleagues. If we are to be a truly ambitious, confident and fair Scotland then we need to ensure that all our communities feel that they are able to participate in society as equal citizens. The recent Scottish Social Attitudes Survey published in December 2007 found that, although attitudes were beginning to change for the better, a significant minority still think it is acceptable to hold discriminatory attitudes towards LGBT people and the Commission will seek to challenge such views. Winning hearts and minds will be critical in ensuring we create a society built on fairness and respect."
The report sets out a series of recommendations for action for the Commission to consider. We take these recommendations seriously and we look forward to working across Scotland to enable organisations to meet their moral and legal obligations, persuading the public that equality for LGBT people is in all our interests and, where necessary, using our enforcement powers to tackle the discrimination and injustice that LGBT people still face today."
ENDS
Notes to editors:
The Equality and Human Rights Commission is a statutory body established under the Equality Act 2006, which took over the responsibilities of Commission for Racial Equality, Disability Rights Commission and Equal Opportunities Commission.
The Equality and Human Rights Commission is the independent advocate for equality and human rights in Britain. It aims to reduce inequality, eliminate discrimination, strengthen good relations between people, and promote and protect human rights.
The Equality and Human Rights Commission will enforce equality legislation on age, disability, gender, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation or transgender status, and encourage compliance with the Human Rights Act. It will also give advice and guidance to businesses, the voluntary and public sectors, and to individuals.
To find out more about the Equality and Human Rights Commission: www.equalityhumanrights.com
Contact:
Colin Macfarlane Equality and Human Rights Commission Scotland
m.07970541369
e.colin.macfarlane@equalityhumanrights.com