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Renfrewshire Council leader, Councillor Mark Macmillan, has given his backing to International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHOT) which will be celebrated on 17 May.

IDAHOT commemorates the day in 1990 when homosexuality was removed from the World Health Organisation’s international classification of diseases.

The anniversary is celebrated worldwide to raise awareness of discrimination and prejudice faced by lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT) people in society.

Councillor Macmillan said:

“Renfrewshire Council is supporting IDAHOT because no one in our communities should face harm or discrimination because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

Councillor Mark Macmillan on Paisley High Street

“Scotland has recently been rated the best country in Europe in terms of legal equality, having passed one of the most progressive equal marriage laws in the world last year.

“However, lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people still face huge inequalities in their daily life which have to be addressed. It is unacceptable that 70% of young LGBT people in Scotland have experienced homophobic, transphobic or biphobic bullying in schools.

“Renfrewshire Council are committed to making sure that Renfrewshire is a safe and inclusive place for lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people to live, work and go to school.

“Making sure that young LGBT people have a voice is a key priority in Renfrewshire’s equality plan for 2015-2017.”

To mark IDAHOT, Renfrewshire Council is running a special LGBT awareness session for employees on 15 May.

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Founder of Paisley.org.uk in 1998 and constantly strives to change peoples attitudes to the town, Brian is a self described Paisley Digital Champion who promotes Paisley via any means necessary. You can also follow me on X