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

IDAHOT commemorates the day in 1990 when homosexuality was removed from the World Health Organisation’s international classification of diseases. It is widely regarded as a landmark in the struggle against sexual and gender discrimination.

The anniversary is celebrated worldwide to raise awareness of discrimination and prejudice faced by lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (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. 

“Although we have made great progress towards equality, there is still a way to go and we should not be complacent.” 

“Renfrewshire Council has a policy of supporting groups with protected characteristics such as LGBT to contribute and participate in public life in Renfrewshire.”

The Diversity and Equality Alliance in Renfrewshire (DEAR) Group is a forum for all groups that have ‘protected’ characteristics under the Equalities Act 2010, including sexual orientation and gender reassignment.

It works to ensure that communities in Renfrewshire support equality and value diversity. 

LGBT groups in Renfrewshire are welcome to join the DEAR Group. Further information is available from Renfrewshire Council on 0141 618 7408.