Pride in all our people

The First Minister addressed Pride Scotland today, which is Scotland’s largest LGBTI festival.

Speaking as the first serving First Minister to attend a Pride event, Nicola Sturgeon said:

“I am proud Scotland is now considered one of the most progressive countries in Europe for LGBTI equality and I am honoured to speak at Pride Glasgow – the first time a head of government anywhere in the UK has addressed a Pride event.

“We must not be passive, but continually strive to advance LGBTI equality. For as long as I am First Minister, that’s what we will strive to do.

“Until Scotland is a place where no one suffers hate, fear, discrimination or prejudice because of their sexual orientation or gender identity, then we have still work to do.

“Wherever there are legislative or regulatory barriers to achieving true equality, we will seek to remove them. I am determined that my government will do all it can to celebrate diversity in everything we say and do.”

Background

In its 2015 Rainbow Map, the European Region of the International LGBTI Association ranked Scotland as the most inclusive for LGBTI equality and human rights legislation.

More on Scottish Government action on LGBTI equality.