Commissioner Bruce Adamson has welcomed the news that Scotland will become  the first country in the world to have LGBTI inclusive education embedded in the curriculum.

Yesterday’s announcement by the Deputy First Minister means teaching around tackling homophobia and prejudice will take place in Scotland’s schools, as well as on LGBTI terminology and identities.

In his statement, the Commissioner emphasises the importance of  a rights-based education that promotes equality and respect for all , which helps  realise the right of everyone in Scotland to be free from discrimination of all kinds.

Campaigning for Inclusive Education

The announcement is a victory for the Time for Inclusive Education (TIE) Campaign, whose 33 recommendations have all been accepted by the Scottish Government.

Our office has supported the campaign since it was established in 2015, as children’s human rights to  identity and  non-discrimination demand that education is LGTBI inclusive.

Commissioner’s statement

“I am delighted to welcome Deputy First Minister’s announcement that Scotland will become the first country in the world to have LGBTI inclusive education embedded in the curriculum.”

“We have made much progress around children’s rights, and this announcement illustrates this. However, we we must go further. These rights contained within the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child must be incorporated into our country’s law— so that they are considered at all times and then upheld in our courts if they are not. There is absolutely no barrier to doing this now.

Support for teachers and practitioners is key to progressing inclusive education effectively and I welcome the development of National Guidance which will set out expectations around LGBTI inclusive education and signpost all teachers in Scotland towards supporting resources.”

“I am also pleased to see an emphasis placed on training for school inspectors to facilitate an understanding of what LGBTI inclusive education looks like within different educational settings and consideration given to LGBTI prompt/questions for use during all standard school inspections.”

“It is important to see a commitment to updating the Conduct of Relationships, Sexual Health, and Parenthood Education in Schools (RSHP) (2014) Guidance.”

“It is of course essential that SG and local authorities engage with LGBTI young people through the implementation process. I am encouraged to see this as a key recommendation and note the value that is being placed on their views and experiences and working with them through a co‑production approach.”

“My office has been a long standing supporter of the TIE campaign and I have spoken regularly on the need to monitor and record LGBTI bullying incidents in schools. The final recommendation in the report calls on the SG to review the impact of the new procedures for monitoring and recording bullying incidents. This is essential.”

“A rights-based education that promotes equality and respect for all is something we should all be actively embracing. I will be monitoring the progress of these recommendations with great interest.”