That the Parliament notes that 21 June 2025 is the 25th anniversary of the passing of the Ethical Standards in Public Life etc. (Scotland) Act 2000, including the repeal of the provision that banned the "promotion of homosexuality", commonly referred to as section 28; recalls that the legislation was passed by 99 votes to 17; believes that the repeal of section 28 was a watershed moment for the new Scottish Parliament, as an important and clear signal that the Parliament was willing to stand up for equality and fairness; thanks all those who campaigned against the introduction of section 28 in 1988 and afterwards for its repeal, the then Scottish Executive ministers who led on repeal, and all MSPs who voted for it; recognises the reported harm caused by section 28 during the 12 years that it was in effect, most seriously, it understands, by suppressing any discussion of LGBT+ issues in schools and making life for young LGBT+ people much more difficult; welcomes the progress made since the repeal of section 28, including other changes to the law affecting LGBT+ people, such as equal parental rights and responsibilities, equal marriage, and the pardons legislation, and policies such as the introduction of LGBT+ inclusive education, and believes that the history of section 28 demonstrates that, although there may be setbacks along the way, remaining steadfast and clear in support of fairness and non-discrimination for all will over time deliver continued progress towards that goal.
Supported by:
George Adam, Karen Adam, Alasdair Allan, Colin Beattie, Stephanie Callaghan, Bob Doris, James Dornan, Jackie Dunbar, Joe FitzPatrick, Kenneth Gibson, Christine Grahame, Patrick Harvie, Clare Haughey, Bill Kidd, Monica Lennon, Richard Leonard, Fulton MacGregor, Ben Macpherson, Liam McArthur, Paul McLennan, Audrey Nicoll, Paul O'Kane, Alex Rowley, Mark Ruskell, Lorna Slater, Kevin Stewart, Paul Sweeney, David Torrance, Evelyn Tweed, Mercedes Villalba, Elena Whitham