Hansard

I thank Patrick Harvie for bringing the motion for debate.

In 1985, when I started as a guidance teacher—I continued being a modern studies teacher, but had a part-time role as a guidance teacher—one of the first things that was drawn to my attention was section 28 because, of course, guidance classes discuss issues such as citizenship, sexuality and health. I am proud of the fact that I cheerfully ignored the strictures of section 28 throughout my time as a guidance teacher.

We have heard good, thoughtful and educative speeches this evening. In my contribution to the LGBT history month information pack, I said:

"LGBT History month is a most welcome development.

It is much easier to know were you are going if you know where you have been—that is true of all history, and because change has come so rapidly, this is particularly true of the history of LGBT issues."

We know how bad things have been in the past and how much better they are now. We also know how much further we need to move.

During the debate around the Scottish Parliament's intentions with regard to section 28, members received hundreds and hundreds of vituperative letters and e-mails, which were dripping with bile and hate. That drew to our attention the fact that there is in Scotland an unconscionable reservoir of deep prejudice that we must do everything we can to lessen. Prejudice will always be with human beings but, because of the depth and quantity of prejudice that was displayed at that time, I was not surprised earlier when we heard that 20 per cent of people in Scotland show some hatred and distrust of gay people. Receiving those letters was a pretty awful experience but, like everyone else in the chamber, I am glad that the Scottish Parliament took the lead in getting rid of section 28.

Scrolling forward a little, I remember clearly the discussions that took place in 2002. To pick up on what Susan Deacon said, there should be praise where praise is due—the Equality Network has given incredible support to all MSPs who progress LGBT issues. I was very sad that after protracted negotiations with Jim Wallace and the Executive, we did not manage to get the Executive to accept that, along with the other five groups that are recognised in European law as regularly suffering from discrimination at work and who are therefore protected under European law against such discrimination, LGBT people should receive equal treatment when it comes to hate crime. We must revisit that in the next session of Parliament.

The vision of LGBT Youth Scotland is that

"Every LGBT young person will be included in the life of Scotland

Every LGBT young person will enjoy a safe and supportive upbringing

Every LGBT young person will grow up happy and healthy

Every LGBT young person will be able to reach their full potential".

Those rights still have to be asked for, even though every young person in this country should have them. Our LGBT youth must be accorded all those rights and access to a healthy and happy future.

Many wonderful events have been arranged to celebrate LGBT history month, including concerts, visits, musical events and plays. I know from experience that LGBT young people know how to enjoy themselves. February will be a month in which they celebrate their new-found confidence in a Scottish society that is becoming a much better place for everyone to live in from the point of view of equalities.

I thank Patrick Harvie for securing the debate and I thank everyone who has spoken in it.