Rainbow Flag Appeal

A campaign has been launched calling for the rainbow flag to be flown across Scotland during the Commonwealth Games.

The rainbow flag, the international symbol of lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and transgender equality, is to fly outside St Andrew's House:

That's Helen Martin from the STUC.

Members are urging councils, the Scottish Government and all trade unions to fly the rainbow flag during the Commonwealth Games.

42 out of 53 members currently criminalise same-sex relationships.

Grahame Smith STUC General Secretary said:
 
"By flying the rainbow flag, the international symbol of LGBT equality, we aim to recognise the human rights of LGBT people and celebrate the distance that Scotland has come in promoting equality for this group. But our campaign is also a rejection of the anti-homosexuality laws that still exist in 80% of Commonwealth nations.
 
"42 out of 53 Commonwealth countries criminalise homosexuality resulting in LGBT people being subject to harassment, degrading treatment and even imprisonment or death. This is simply unacceptable and it is right that we should use our Commonwealth Games to raise awareness and promote a more positive vision of the future for a persecuted minority.
 
"The response to the campaign from Trade Unions, the Scottish Government, and other public bodies across Scotland has been extremely positive and we hope that by flying the rainbow flag we can offer a message of hope to LGBT people across the Commonwealth and remind everyone that LGBT people exist in all countries and their rights should be respected."
 
Shona Robison, Cabinet Secretary for Commonwealth Games said:
 
"The Scottish Government continues to fly the flag for equality across the world and we are pleased to support this initiative. I agree entirely about flying the rainbow flag during games time, it's important we reinforce our strong support for and commitment to progressing equality and human rights issues.
 
"The Commonwealth Games is a chance for us to speak directly to our Commonwealth partners, to share our journey to a more equal society and how we continue to promote LGBT rights. As a patron and sponsor of Pride House, we have put a home for Scotland’s LGBT community and visitors from near and far right at the heart of Glasgow during the Games and I hope others join us in flying the rainbow flag."
 
Members of the public are being encouraged to support the campaign by sharing images using the hashtag #gamespride