Scottish Government
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Scotland believes in equality
New phase of Scottish Government campaign to promote equality in Scotland.
MSPs from all parties gathered outside the Scottish Parliament recently to support the launch of the next phase of a campaign to promote equality and celebrate diversity in Scotland.
Following the successful launch of the onescotland.org website during Glasgow 2014, the next phase of the One Scotland campaign focuses on promoting equality for LGBTI and ethnic minority people.
Cabinet Secretary for Equalities Shona Robison recently joined a number of MSPs from all parties in the gardens of the Scottish Parliament for the unveiling of a new ‘Equals’ sculpture by award-winning Edinburgh artist Kate Ive.
Recent YouGov research commissioned by the Scottish Government found three-quarters (76 per cent) of Scots agree Scotland has made great progress towards equality over the past 10 years. However, 89 per cent of people surveyed also believe more work needs to be done to ensure people are treated equally.
Ms Robison said: “Scotland believes in equality and the One Scotland campaign emphasises that we are all equal and that the same rights and opportunities should apply to all. No one should have to face discrimination or prejudice in any form, and nine out of ten Scots believe there is still work to be done to make equality for all a reality.
“Progress has been mixed in recent years and there is a pressing need to continue education and engagement that promotes a welcoming, inclusive society where everyone – regardless of race, sexual orientation or gender identity – has a place.”
The five week long campaign – featuring press and radio ads, PR and social media activity – follows the recent announcement that the first same-sex marriage ceremonies in Scotland are expected to take place from Hogmanay. From 16 December, same-sex couples will also be able to change an existing Scottish civil partnership to a marriage.
The campaign also seeks to improve public awareness of intersex people and will highlight that the Scottish Government has now adopted the acronym LGBTI to demonstrate commitment to equality for intersex people.
Notes To Editors
For further information about the One Scotland campaign, please visit www.onescotland.org and follow it on Twitter: @EqualScotland.
Analysis of the 2011 census revealed that Scotland has become a more ethnically diverse country in the last decade. Scotland's minority ethnic population doubled, from two to four per cent of the total population (from around 102,000 to 211,000 people) and white non-British groups increased from 3 to 4 per cent of the population (127,000 to 222,000 people).
A YouGov survey of Scottish adults found:
- 93 per cent say they believe people should have a commitment to treating each other equally regardless of age, disability, gender, gender identity, race, religion/belief, sexual orientation or class.
- 76 per cent agree Scotland has made great progress regarding equality in the last ten years.
- 89 per cent agree more work needs to be done to improve equality in Scotland.
Results from survey of 1206 Scottish adults (aged 18+) undertaken between 7 - 9 July 2014.
