HOMOPHOBIC bullying was the subject of a question MSP Rona Mackay asked after the ministerial statement on hate crime. Ms Mackay referenced to the TIE Campaign’s findings that 90 per cent of LGBTI+ school pupils in Scotland have been subjected to homophobic bullying.
Rona Mackay (Strathkelvin and Bearsden) (SNP):
Does the minister agree that more should be done to prevent homophobic bullying at school, in light of the shocking statistics that 90 per cent of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex people have experienced homophobia, biphobia and transphobia at school and 27 per cent of LGBTI people have attempted suicide once as a result of bullying, in addition to the fact that 79 per cent of teachers support the LGBTI time for inclusive education—TIE—initiative?
Annabelle Ewing:
Obviously, every child should feel safe and respected at school, and each one of us has a duty to ensure that that happens.
On the TIE campaign specifically, I echo what the First Minister said at First Minister’s questions last week: there is a commitment to take forward the issues that the TIE campaign has brought to our attention, and we wish to do that in consultation with the excellent TIE campaigners.