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Motion · S6M-17985 · 16 Jun 2025

25th Anniversary of the Repeal of Section 28

Lodged by Nicola Sturgeon Standard Motion 35 supporters

The motion

That the Parliament notes that 21 June 2025 is the 25th anniversary of the passing ofthe Ethical Standards in Public Life etc. (Scotland) Act 2000, including therepeal of the provision that banned the "promotion of homosexuality",commonly referred to as section 28; recalls that the legislation was passed by99 votes to 17; believes that the repeal of section 28 was a watershed momentfor the new Scottish Parliament, as an important and clear signal that theParliament was willing to stand up for equality and fairness; thanks all thosewho campaigned against the introduction of section 28 in 1988 and afterwardsfor its repeal, the then Scottish Executive ministers who led on repeal, andall MSPs who voted for it; recognises the reported harm caused by section 28during the 12 years that it was in effect, most seriously, it understands, bysuppressing any discussion of LGBT+ issues in schools and making life for youngLGBT+ people much more difficult; welcomes the progress made since the repealof section 28, including other changes to the law affecting LGBT+ people, suchas equal parental rights and responsibilities, equal marriage, and the pardonslegislation, and policies such as the introduction of LGBT+ inclusiveeducation, and believes that the history of section 28 demonstrates that,although there may be setbacks along the way, remaining steadfast and clear insupport of fairness and non-discrimination for all will over time delivercontinued progress towards that goal.

Supporters (35)

Source: the Scottish Parliament motions and amendments record.