Scouts Scotland has backed the Time for Inclusive Education campaign

Scouts Scotland has joined those calling for LGBT issues to be taught in schools.

The group – which has more than 50,000 members – has endorsed the Time for Inclusive Education (TIE) campaign, which is calling for the introduction of LGBT-inclusive education into all Scottish schools to help tackle high rates of homophobic and transphobic bullying.

The group held a rally outside the Scottish Parliament this week to show its support for the campaign.

Scout network member Kerry Simpson, 19, said: "I have always found scouting to be a very welcoming environment where leaders encouraged us to be ourselves. When I came out in scouting I was immediately accepted.

“Sadly, not all schools are so welcoming and supportive of LGBT young people. We support the TIE campaign, which aims to ensure that LGBT issues are taught within schools – to help all young people to feel included and respected."

The campaign published a report last year which found that 90% of LGBT people experience homophobia at school, while 27% reported that they had attempted suicide due to being bullied.

Explorer scout Oscar Hazelwood,17, added: "As a scout we learn to respect everyone and learn from each other. We want to challenge inequality and bullying when we see it and make sure that everyone is valued for who they are.”

The Scottish Government recently launched a national working group to take forward TIE's proposals after a majority of MSPs signed the campaign's strategy pledge, which includes calls for teacher training and new legislation on the issue.

A TIE spokesperson said: “Receiving the support of Scouts Scotland marks a very significant step forward for our campaign. That one of the largest youth movement’s in Scotland has wholeheartedly endorsed our calls for LGBT education in schools reaffirms what we already know: that there is wide support across Scotland for the educational experience to be LGBT-inclusive.”