‘LGBT Yes’ campaign aims to enshrine equality in Scottish constitution
The ‘Yes LGBT’ group for Scottish independence is set to hold an event outlining proposals to enshrine equality in a written constitution.
YES LGBT and MSP Patrick Harvie will host the conference on Monday in Glasgow, and will address issues such as the written constitution, equality law, gender recognition, asylum policy and foreign policy.
An introduction to the Rainbow Paper, which will be announced on Monday, reads: “It goes without saying that as LGBTI people we are much more than just our sexual orientation, gender identity, and intersex status. We are younger and older, students and workers, parents and grandparents, and we have the same hopes and aspirations for our families and our country as everyone else.
“As LGBTI people we will be voting for independence for many of the same reasons as other Scots. We want to see decisions about Scotland taken by the people who care most about Scotland – the people who live and work here. We know that with the full powers of an independent country Scotland will be able to take progressive decisions on a wide-range of important issues from tackling poverty to strengthening our economy.
“But we also know that independence offers a unique opportunity for Scotland to secure the powers we need to secure full equality for LGBTI people here in Scotland and around the world.”
It continues: “Over the past 15 years of the Scottish Parliament, Scotland has consistently taken a more progressive approach to LGBTI equality than Westminster with world-leading equality laws and leadership in the areas where we have control.
“This paper outlines how with the full powers of an independent country Scotland can do far more to secure full equality for LGBTI people in our society, and can act as a leading force for LGBTI equality around the world.”
Currently, Scottish immigration and asylum issues remain under the control of the Home Office at Westminster..
In favour of writing a Scottish constitution, ‘Yes’ campaigns have suggested issues of equality, such as the removal of the blood donation ban for men who have sex with men, should be enshrined in the constitution.
A new web series is re-imagining the Scottish independence dilemma as a gay romantic comedy.
The independence question was debated last month at Pride Glasgow.
LGBT Together, part of the pro-Union Better Together campaign, said the Union had already helped ensure Scotland was one of the most progressive countries in Europe when it came to LGBT rights.
Yes LGBT stated that an independent Scotland could offer greater protections for those fleeing homophobic persecution.
