Scotland to become the first country to have LGBTI inclusive education, announces Deputy First Minister John Swinney

Date: 16th November 2018
Category: Education, including vocational education

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Scotland will become the first country in the world to have "LGBTI-inclusive education" embedded in the curriculum, Cabinet Secretary for Education and Deputy First Minister John Swinney has told the Scottish Parliament.

Jordan Daly, co-founder of TIE (Time for Inclusive Education) campaign, which was the driving force behind the changes, said: "The implementation of LGBTI-inclusive education across all state schools is a world first and, in a time of global uncertainty, this sends a strong and clear message to LGBTI young people that they are valued here in Scotland. Eighteen years [on] from the repeal of Section 28 [which had prohibited the promotion in schools of the acceptability of homosexuality], we can finally put its destructive legacy to bed."

All state schools will be supported to teach LGBTI equality and inclusion across different age groups and subjects, grouped under various themes. The themes will include LGBTI terminology and identities; tackling homophobia, biphobia and transphobia; prejudice in relation to the LGBTI community; and promoting awareness of the history of LGBTI equalities and movements.

All 33 recommendations by the LGBTI Inclusive Education Working Group have been accepted in full by the Scottish Government and work to implement the recommendations has been said to begin immediately.