CAMPAIGN FOR LGBT EQUALITY MUST BE GLOBAL
Patrick Harvie, Green MSP for Glasgow, is calling for Scotland to use its opportunities on the world stage to tackle the continued persecution of LGBT people around the globe.
Mr Harvie says tonight's historic stage 1 debate at Holyrood on the Marriage and Civil Partnership Bill shows that Scotland is joining the community of nations which has fully embraced LGBT human rights, but that in much of the world this progress is not being made.
Patrick said:
"Enabling couples to celebrate their love and be recognised on the basis of equality will be a proud achievement for Scotland. But we should use this step forward in Scotland to highlight the backward steps being taken in many other countries.
"We're seeing Russia bringing in oppressive new laws, and we know the vast majority of Commonwealth nations have criminal sanctions which even include the death penalty against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender citizens. As the Commonwealth comes to Glasgow next year, we have a golden opportunity to challenge prejudice, support LGBT communities, and demonstrate the progress which can be made."