Scottish Lib Dems to tackle homophobic hate crime and bullying

9.51.28pm UTC (GMT +0000) Sun 15th Apr 2007

The Scottish Liberal Democrat Manifesto 2007

The Liberal Democrat manifesto for the 2007 Scottish Parliament elections at the start of May has two explicit references to tackling homophobia; both bullying in schools and homophobicly motivated hate crimes in wider society.

The sections read: "Young people themselves want to stamp out bullying. That's why the most effective discipline and anti-bullying strategies will involve pupils directly in drawing up and enforcing them. I want to see effective peer support and buddying schemes in every school and more action to ensure that homophobic bullying is taken seriously along with sectarian and racist abuse." (p14)

"We will work to address the wider issues behind hate crimes through more education and prevention measures. We will legislate to extend the statutory aggravation for racist and religious hate crime to cover homophobic and disability-related hate crime." (p58)

DELGA Chair Jen Yockney commented, "these are excellent, welcome proposals to tackle some of the key LGBT legislative issues still outstanding in delivering equality."

"Of course there are many more reasons to vote Lib Dem in Scotland on May 3rd. We have been the driving progressive force in the Scottish government over the last eight years - not just abolishing Section 28 years ahead of the rest of the UK, but on issues like student tuition fees, free personal care, free bus travel for the elderly, free eye and dental checks, and fair votes for local government."

"The manifesto sets out a radical, reforming and responsible approach for the next four years, with positive policies to help encourage and support young people; to create a dynamic economy; and to help Scotland become the green energy powerhouse of Europe."

Related Links:

Scottish Lib Dems manifesto 2007.

Scottish Lib Dems website.