Many lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people are too scared to use public services such as the NHS and Police after experiencing poor treatment in the past.

One in three lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender (LGBT) people do not feel confident reporting a hate crime directly to the police, according to research from Stonewall Scotland.

A poll for the charity’s Your Services Your Say research report, also found that more than one in five feel uncomfortable being open about their sexual orientation or gender identity with NHS staff.

Director of Stonewall Scotland Colin Macfarlane said despite the passage of the marriage and civil partnership (Scotland) bill, the charity is still acutely aware its mission isn’t yet accomplished.

It is time that their needs, both as citizens and service-users, were properly met.

“This report, the most comprehensive of its kind to be published in Scotland, starkly demonstrates that changing laws doesn’t change attitudes overnight,” he said.

“LGBT taxpayers contribute millions to the cost of Scotland’s public services. They should be able to have confidence that they’ll receive the services they need when accessing hospitals, schools and policing.”

Over 1,000 people took part in the poll with 48% saying they would expect to face discrimination from fostering and adoption agencies when applying to become parents.

Sixty-seven per cent also said they thought their child would experience bullying in primary school if he or she were known to have LGBT parents.

Macfarlane added: “This report should provide Scotland’s public services with an insight into the needs of LGBT people.

“It is time that their needs, both as citizens and service-users, were properly met.”