Teachers Back LGBT Education

12 June 2017, 07:33 | Updated: 12 June 2017, 07:34

Scotland's largest teaching union has backed calls for LGBT issues to be taught in schools.

Members of the Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS) voted to adopt the proposals of the Time for Inclusive Education (TIE) campaign.

A motion was brought forward at the union's AGM in Perth calling on members to officially affiliate with TIE and commit to supporting its five-point campaign pledge.

TIE is calling for LGBT issues, such as same-sex families and the history of the LGBT rights movement, to be included in curriculum guidance and for teachers to be trained on how to address the topic in the classroom.

It also wants a legislative requirement to be placed on schools to tackle homophobic bullying.

Pam Currie of the EIS said: "I'm delighted that the EIS has affiliated to TIE.

"The decision to affiliate affirms the role that TIE have played in changing Scottish education for the better and takes us another step closer to having an LGBTI inclusive education for learners in all Scottish schools and colleges.''

A majority of MSPs in the Scottish Parliament have already signed TIE's campaign pledge, while the Scottish Government has launched a joint working group to bring forward policy recommendations.

A TIE spokesman said: "That the largest teachers' union in Scotland has affiliated to our campaign is a massive step forward for us.

"We are often asked what teachers think about our proposals, and whether or not they support our aims: this move resolutely answers that question.

"This, along with the parliamentary mandate for our calls, makes clear that Scotland is ready for LGBTI inclusive education in all of our schools.''