Fun Fast Facts:
Updated: 26 May 2014 (Scots secure same-sex marriage)
- Same-sex sexual activity has been legal since 1980 and same-sex couples have also been granted joint and step adoption since 2009.
- Same-sex marriage was approved by the Scottish Parliament in February 2014 by a vote of 108-15 whilst civil partnerships for same-sex couples have been legal since 2005.
- 92% of Scots support legislation against discrimination in provision of healthcare and public and commercial services and 66% think religious attitudes are to blame for public prejudice against LGB and T people (Living Together, 2012).
- 70% of LGBT Scots who have been physically attacked because of their sexual orientation have not reported this to anyone (Stonewall Scotland How Safe are You, 2010).
- The use of homophobic language is endemic. Almost all (99 per cent) gay young people hear the phrases ‘that’s so gay’ or ‘you’re so gay’ in school and ninety seven per cent of gay pupils hear homophobic language such as ‘poof’ or ‘lezza’ (The School Report, 2012).
Scots secure same-sex marriage
Broadcast: 26 May 2014
LGBTIQ-friendly organisation: Equality Network Scotland
- The Equality Network aims to bring about equality and improve the human rights situation of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people in Scotland.
- The group provides opportunities for people to engage in making Scotland a place in which everyone, whatever their sexual orientation or gender identity, can live free from hatred, prejudice and discrimination.
W3JOY interviewed: Scott Cuthbertson of Equality Network Scotland
“It was a tear-jerking moment I have to say. As a proud Scotsman, I was very proud when our parliament chose to bring about equal marriage. I think it’s a really progressive piece of legislation. There were parts of the legislation that we worked hard on – for example trying to get more inclusivity around transgender people and their rights and their relationships.”
“The (same-sex marriage) bill was passed by the Scottish parliament by one of the largest majorities of any parliament in the world.”
“It’s the first UK-wide campaign for same-sex marriage. To be honest, the politicians really didn’t want to listen at that point in time. They felt that we have just achieved civil partnerships, which were in their opinion all but marriage but in name. And we had some convincing to do and that’s something we set about doing.”
“We see the Commonwealth Games (in Glasgow) as a huge opportunity to look and highlight LGBT voices from around the planet. Of the 53 countries that make up the Commonwealth, 41 of them still criminalise their LGBT citizens. And while we don’t want to be the old colonial voice if you like, we think its a really good opportunity to make sure that the rights and the actions and the people of all these countries in the Commonwealth are highlighted and seen by everyone that’s taking part or watching the games around the world.”