STUC holds historic LGBT conference

STUC president Agnes Tolmie told the conference it was a landmark moment for the trade union movement.

"In just 10 years we've seen a step change in how trade unions engage with LGBT members," she said.

"But I think it will quickly become clear just how much we still have to do."

Scottish government equality unit head Yvonne Strachan said that the STUC's new equality structure for LGBT workers was an "important and welcome step forward."

She added that the government was committed to equal marriage legislation in this session of parliament and to supporting organisations like the STUC campaigning to improve equality, especially on equal rights in the workplace.

Black Pride executive director Phyllis Opoku-Gyimah received a rousing reception from delegates when she said they were taking their place as part of the trade union movement.

Around 50 delegates tackled issues such as workplace rights, pensions, homophobic bullying in schools and sport, and international solidarity around gender identity and equality.

The conference passed a motion calling for the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow to be used as an opportunity to "publicise the list of countries where LGBT is illegal" in order to promote same-sex marriage and further emancipation of LGBT people around the world.

A Scottish LGBT committee was elected which will choose its own officers in due course.

Jenny Douglas and Gary White, both of the Unite union, were elected from the LGBT conference as members of the STUC general council.