Westminster laws banning discrimination in employment and in the provision of goods and services are intended to help prevent discrimination, and the inclusion of homophobic and transphobic hate-motivated crime in hate crime law would help to prevent criminal abuse.

But Scotland will not become a welcoming place for its LGBT people and visitors while discriminatory attitudes, prejudice and misunderstanding remain widespread.

Clear public leadership, from the Executive and Parliament, to counter transphobic and homophobic prejudice, is a necessary step towards true equality.

The Scottish Commission for Human Rights, in partnership with the GB-wide Commission for Equality and Human Rights, also has an important role to play in promoting respect for the dignity and worth of all people.

• The Scottish Executive and Parliament should make clear public commitments to LGBT equality, and should speak out against prejudice when it is expressed by others.
• The Executive should use its media profile to promote the message that transphobic and homophobic prejudice and discrimination are unacceptable. A ‘One Scotland’ style campaign should be considered.
• The Scottish Parliament should ensure that the Scottish Commission for Human Rights, working in partnership with the GB Commission for Equality and Human Rights, places a high priority on promoting respect for the dignity and worth of all people.