LGBTQ+

Scotland's The First Country To Support LGBTI Curriculum In Schools

According to the deputy first minister, all state schools will have backing to teach LGBTI educational themes.

Scotland's The First Country To Support LGBTI Curriculum In Schools
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Scotland will be the world's first country to include LGBTI education in its schools' curriculum. 

According to Deputy First Minister John Swinney, all state schools will be required to teach lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex educational themes across various age groups and subjects. Some of those topics include terminology and identities, tackling homophobia and community prejudice. 

The move comes after Scotland took recommendations from an educational working group, which have been accepted by the government. 

Calling it a world first, Swinney said the change aims to improve the learning experience for all students. 

Up until 2000, a Scottish law made it illegal to "intentionally promote homosexuality" in schools. Some groups, like the Christian Institute, argued against the law's repeal, and said school curriculum shouldn't include "controversial political agendas."

In the U.S., California has approved LGBT-inclusive textbooks, and the Illinois Senate has passed legislation that could require public schools to teach LGBT history. 

Swinney said work to implement the recommendations in Scotland will "start immediately." 

Additional reporting from Newsy affiliate CNN