On 28th June, SNP MSP for Cunninghame South, Ruth Maguire, joined with colleagues outside the Scottish Parliament to celebrate the second anniversary of the TIE, or Time for Inclusive Education, campaign.
The TIE campaign was founded in June 2015 and has one very simple aim – to combat homophobia, biphobia and transphobia with inclusive education in Scottish schools.
In March 2016, North Ayrshire became the first local authority to support the TIE campaign, after a motion moved by Ruth, who was then a North Ayrshire councillor, was passed at full council.
Since becoming an MSP in May 2016, Ruth has continued her support for the TIE campaign, meeting with its co-founders in the Parliament and lodging a parliamentary motion congratulating the campaign on its first birthday this time last year.
Commenting, Ruth said:
“In terms of LGBT+ equality Scotland is considered one of the most progressive countries in Europe.
Although at a legislative level this is true, I think we would all acknowledge that it’s not always reflected in our society. We have come a long way and there is much to be rightly proud of – not least the way that political parties and civic society united to improve equality with equal marriage – but there is no denying there is still a lot to do.
Despite our progress, the day to day experience of many of our young LGBT people can be radically different from that of their peers – and homophobic and transphobic bullying still blights lives.
I commend the TIE campaign on their unwavering commitment to ensure that the education system in Scotland is fully inclusive of LGBT+ identities and relationships – and I am proud to continue to support them in this work.”
Ruth Maguire MSP 