Celebrating Frances Wright

That the Parliament celebrates the life and works of Frances Wright; notes that Frances was born in Dundee, Scotland, in 1795 and went on to become a renowned global figure in human rights, including women’s rights; understands that Frances moved from Scotland to New York in 1818 at the age of 23, having been drawn to issues affecting advancing freedoms, human rights, social reform and equality; further understands that her time in America also developed her interest in racial justice, women’s rights and universal education, leading to her becoming an eminent lecturer, writer, freethinker, feminist, utopian socialist, abolitionist, social reformer and Epicurean philosopher; considers that Frances became a well-respected figure in social justice and equality, writing books and articles, speaking at large gatherings and pledging her own resources to campaign for slave freedom and fair work conditions; recognises the importance of the cultural links between Scotland and the United States of America, including connections between the Declaration of Arbroath and the United States Declaration of Independence, and the celebrations of St Andrews Day in Scotland and Tartan Day in America, and commends her dedication to campaigning for social justice and for breaking down barriers to promote equal rights in America, Scotland and indeed globally.