Kezia Dugdale calls for strategy to tackle LGBTI bullying
A strategy should be introduced to tackle homophobic, transphobic and biphobic bullying in Scotland's schools, Scottish Labour leader Kezia Dugdale has said.
A strategy should be introduced to tackle homophobic, transphobic and biphobic bullying in Scotland's schools, Scottish Labour leader Kezia Dugdale has said.
Ms Dugdale also called for a consistent approach to sex education which takes in LGBTI relationships and sexual health.
Trans young people should also be able to have their legal gender changed at the age of 16 rather than 18, she said.
The Scottish Labour leader outlined the actions as she spoke at an event with LGBT Youth Scotland in Glasgow.
Ms Dugdale said: Our job won't be done until every LGBTI person - young or older - can live a life free from discrimination, without the fear that they won't be accepted.''
She continued: First, we need a strategy for dealing with homophobic, transphobic and biphobic bullying in our schools, to make sure that all schools are being proactive in dealing with bullying.
This has to include clear guidance for school teachers about what they can teach in our schools.
It means acting on the demands of the Tie (Time for Inclusive Education) campaign. We don't need any more reviews, working groups or inquiries from the Scottish Government.
We need action - the need is pressing.''
A previous Scottish Parliament inquiry found a mixed picture of sex and relationship education, noting there was inconsistent provision across Scotland''.
Ms Dugdale added: Second, all young people, regardless of location, should have access to consistent sex education which considers LGBTI relationships and sexual health.
Finally, as trans young people become more and more visible in our society, they shouldn't have to wait until they are 18 to be recognised as the gender they live.''