Alex Salmond Says Scotland Stands For LGBTI Equality And Diversity

(GayWebSource.com – Gay News & Press Network) – Posted by Jake Simpson – TheGayUK.com
We meet the First Minster, Alex Salmond, at Pride House Glasgow, who tells us that what is, and has, been done in Scotland sends a clear message to the world of support to LGBTI Equality and what the nation stands for.

by Dan Littauer | 28th July 2014

Alex Salmond (middle) with Hugh Torrance and Katherine Burrows

The First Minister noted that that Pride House is sending a message of inclusivity and acceptance, and that along the support it received from the government, the flying of the Rainbow flag over St. Andrew’s House and the “Glasgow kiss”, couldn’t send a more clear and strong message and commitment to the cause to the world.

Alex Salmond made this statement on Friday, after viewing the LGBTI People of the Commonwealth highlighting the discrimination and hardship LGBTI people face in 42 of 53 member states.

He also made a point of meeting and socializing wtih LGBTI families in Pride House’s family zone, expressing his support of diversity, LEAP Sports Scotland and Rainbow Families.

The First Minister also praised the activity and events of Pride House Glasgow and congratulated in particular the work the Chair of LEAP Scotland, Hugh Torrance and its Public Relations officer, Katherine Burrows.

Speaking with KaleidoScot, Peter Tatchell Director of the human rights lobby, the Peter Tatchell Foundation, applauded the First Minister, ‘Whatever people think about Alex Salmond and the push for Scottish independence, his statement is the most forthright and supportive on LGBTI equality by any leader of any nation hosting a major international sporting event.

‘No other leader of a Commonwealth or Olympic Games host nation has ever said or done anything so positive. Neither David Cameron nor Boris Johnson did anything similar during the London 2012 Olympics.

‘To fly the rainbow flag from government headquarters for the duration of the games is unprecedented. It sends a signal of solidarity with LGBTI people throughout the Commonwealth.

‘It’s a unique, unprecedented initiative for which Alex Salmond and the Scottish government deserve full credit and praise.’