Promoting LGBTI Rights

The First Minister wants elected Nationalist MPs to promote the rights of LGBTI people throughout the world after the general election.

Opinion polls suggest the SNP could gain more than 40 seats in May.

Nicola Sturgeon says her team would push to support the creation of a special envoy within the Foreign Office.

She'll address the Out for Indy conference today.

Ms Sturgeon said:

"In Scotland, we have a strong record of promoting equality and LGBTI rights, and one of my proudest moments since becoming First Minister was attending one of the first same sex marriages to take place in our country.

"The stain of intolerance will not be removed entirely from our country or culture overnight - but by the laws and values we promote we can and will move ever closer towards the good society where everyone feels safe and valued and above all equal - regardless of sexuality or gender, race or religion, ability or disability. That is the vision of a One Scotland I am pledged to.

"And we have to match our actions at home with our ambitions for the wider world.

"That is why I was so pleased that Pride House Glasgow was at the heart of our facilities for last year's Commonwealth Games, the first time in the history of the Games there was a centre specifically designed to break down the social and personal barriers discouraging LGBTI people from competing in sports. I hope that Pride Houses become part and parcel of every Commonwealth Games, and I know that there are Pride House plans for this year's Pan-American Games in Toronto and the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.

"But we can and must do more in all places, and in all walks of life. Too many LGBTI people in too many countries still face the most extreme forms of prejudice and hate - our voice must be one of those arguing and advocating for equality, tolerance and love.

"That is why a team of SNP MPs elected in May will support the establishment of a special envoy, a diplomatic post within the Foreign Office, to promote the rights of LGBTI people throughout the word, as an integral part of UK foreign policy.

"I know that other parties, including Labour, advocate this move - just as there is action within the United States to create a similar post there - and I have no hesitation in working across party boundaries to bring it into being.

"By voting for a strong team of SNP MPs in May, the people of Scotland can be a force for change to deliver policies that are right for this country - and advance the cause of progressive policies across the UK."