Out for Independence

@outforindy.bsky.social

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The official LGBTQIA+ wing of @snp.org 🎗️💛 Campaigning for a fair, equal, independent Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Enquiries: info@outforindy.scot 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

Out for Independence statement (English/German) on yesterday's events at Berlin Pride: We are devastated to see the tragic events from yesterday's Berlin Pride. What should have been a day for people to come together and celebrate diversity and openness became yet another site of violence against the LGBTQIA+ community. Our thoughts are with the victims, their families, and Berlin and Germany's LGBTQIA+ community. — Wir sind tief bestürzt über das tragische Ereignis beim gestrigen Berliner CSD. Was ein Tag hätte sein sollen, an dem Menschen zusammenkommen, um Vielfalt und Offenheit zu feiern, ist zum Schauplatz eines Angriffs auf die LGBTQIA+ Community geworden. Unsere Gedanken sind bei den Opfern, ihren Familien und der Berliner und deutschen LGBTQIA+ Community.
Screenshot of the House of Commons website showing that Brendan O'Hara, SNP MP for Argyll, Bute and South Lochaber, signed EDM 240 on 8 July 2026
Screenshot of the House of Commons website showing that Lara Bird, SNP MP for Arbroath and Broughty Ferry, signed EDM 240 on 24 June 2026
Out for Independence statement on the resignation of Keir Starmer as Prime Minister of the UK: Keir Starmer promised change from a failed Tory government, but instead presided over attacks on trans people as bad as anything coming out of Trump’s America. He was complicit in the undermining of Scottish democracy over the blocking of the Gender Recognition (Reform) Bill. His government’s changes to asylum and immigration rules have put LGBTQIA+ refugees, among others, at ever greater risk. In the face of a coordinated far-right onslaught that has seen people assaulted in the streets and burned out of their homes by mobs, Labour under him told the public at every turn that the hatemongers had legitimate concerns and those who opposed them were the real extremists. He claimed to be concerned with safety, but under him, supporters of abusive conversion practices and defenders of sexual abusers were welcomed into the halls of power. He spoke of dignity and respect, and then stopped at nothing to exclude trans people from public life, justified the most horrific slaughter in Gaza, and planned attacks on disabled people so egregious they broke his own party in half. To put it in terms he might recognise, the damage he has done is incalculable. He leaves this country more unequal, more unsafe and more intolerant than he found it. Keir Starmer was another product of a failed, self-righteous Westminster politics that offers nothing but division. We are not sorry to see him go. We will continue to fight for the only thing that will stop the revolving door of liars and failures - a fresh start for Scotland with independence.
Out for Independence response to the recent attacks in Edinburgh: We are deeply appalled and disgusted at the racist incident that took place in Edinburgh on Friday 19th June. What was supposed to be a day for the LGBTQIA+ community and our allies to come together has been once again overshadowed by the atmosphere of racist hate. Many people of colour have warned that the growing rise of racism may result in blood being spilled on the streets. Unfortunately this has now come to pass. These messages did not come from nowhere - these came from the mouths of Nigel Farage and Reform, Rupert Lowe, and Tommy Robinson. They sow the seeds of hate under the false pretense of ‘legitimate concerns’, while not actually tackling any real issues that hurt our communities. It is also telling that we don't see the same people out on the streets protesting against this violent incident, when they were willing to a couple of months ago when the attacker was a person of colour. Let us be clear - racism has no place in Scotland. Violence has no place in Scotland. Today, we stand united with people of colour, the Muslim and migrant communities.
Screenshot of the House of Commons website showing that Dave Doogan, SNP MP for Angus and Perthshire Glens, signed EDM 240 on 15 June 2026
A graphic advertising the details of Out for Independence’s 2026 Conference in Edinburgh, including a picture of the guest speakers, Simita Kumar MSP and Councillor Lesley Macinnes. Details include: 13th June 10:00-15:00 Training and Conference Venue Edinburgh EH1 1SU *5 minute walk from Waverley Station
Thanks to Lara Bird, SNP candidate for Arbroath and Broughty Ferry, for signing the Out for Indy pledge! We, the undersigned, pledge to uphold and protect the hard-won rights of LGBTQIA+ people. We pledge to stand against homophobia, lesbophobia, biphobia, transphobia, and all other forms of discrimination and hate against our communities. We recognise and support the right of LGBTQIA+ people to freely choose how they live and love - including their right to bodily autonomy. We condemn the culture war being perpetrated by Labour, Reform UK and Conservatives alike, who seek to make scapegoats of LGBTQIA+ people, migrants, ethnic minorities, disabled people, and people living in poverty to deflect from the ongoing failures of the Westminster parties, including their ideological commitment to Brexit. We recognise the harm and fear that this rhetoric has caused, and the dangerous polarisation which said culture war has induced. As such, we commit to defending the rights, dignity, and humanity of marginalised people. We pledge to stand up for LGBTQIA+ people against the Westminster parties’ attacks and discriminatory policies. We will oppose Labour and the EHRC’s attempts to discriminate against trans people, and we will support changes to the Equality Act that protect human rights. We will hold the government to account on their continued failure to ban conversion practices and their ideological attacks on trans healthcare. Last but not least, we commit to fight for fundamental change: Independence from the Westminster system and Union which have consistently failed to deliver for the people of Scotland.
Thanks to Richard Thomson, SNP candidate for Aberdeen South, for signing the Out for Indy pledge! We, the undersigned, pledge to uphold and protect the hard-won rights of LGBTQIA+ people. We pledge to stand against homophobia, lesbophobia, biphobia, transphobia, and all other forms of discrimination and hate against our communities. We recognise and support the right of LGBTQIA+ people to freely choose how they live and love - including their right to bodily autonomy. We condemn the culture war being perpetrated by Labour, Reform UK and Conservatives alike, who seek to make scapegoats of LGBTQIA+ people, migrants, ethnic minorities, disabled people, and people living in poverty to deflect from the ongoing failures of the Westminster parties, including their ideological commitment to Brexit. We recognise the harm and fear that this rhetoric has caused, and the dangerous polarisation which said culture war has induced. As such, we commit to defending the rights, dignity, and humanity of marginalised people. We pledge to stand up for LGBTQIA+ people against the Westminster parties’ attacks and discriminatory policies. We will oppose Labour and the EHRC’s attempts to discriminate against trans people, and we will support changes to the Equality Act that protect human rights. We will hold the government to account on their continued failure to ban conversion practices and their ideological attacks on trans healthcare. Last but not least, we commit to fight for fundamental change: Independence from the Westminster system and Union which have consistently failed to deliver for the people of Scotland.
An Out for Independence graphic for Pride Month, against a dark blue background and featuring rainbow and trans flags. It reads: We hope you’ll all join us at Out for Indy and the SNP in celebrating Pride Month - celebrating it by firmly standing up for human rights and equality for all LGBTQIA+ people, in Scotland and outwith.
An Out for Independence graphic for International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexism and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT), set against a rainbow background. The text reads: Today is International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexism and Transphobia - a day of solidarity and resistance against the still present and growing discrimination and hatred against the LGBTQIA+ community. We must all stand up for the human rights of LGBTQIA+ people across, and outwith, Scotland.
An Out for Independence graphic, set to the background of the transgender flag. The text reads: For Trans+ History Week 2026, join us in celebrating the diverse history of our trans, non-binary and intersex members and friends! As unscrupulous, opportunistic politicians bear down on the trans community, now is the time to learn about the reality of their lives and show our support.
Out for Independence graphic for Lesbian Visibility Week, set againdt the background of lesbian and Pride flags: Join us at Out For Independence, and the SNP, in celebrating Lesbian Visibility Week 2026 with our lesbian members and communities across, and outwith, Scotland!
A SCOTTISH LABOUR GOVERNMENT WILL SELL OUT THE LGBTQIA+ COMMUNITY Labour will force all trans people out of “NHS wards, schools, sport and everyday life”. Labour won’t implement a conversion practices ban in Scotland. Labour’s Health Secretary Wes Streeting has expressed sympathy for a group that supports conversion practices. Labour’s Home Office reforms threaten to send LGBTQIA+ refugees to countries where they could be killed. Labour can’t get into power in Scotland without a deal with Reform.
For International Asexuality Day 2026, join us at Out For Independence in celebrating, learning about, standing in solidarity with, as well as advocating for the legitimacy of everyone under the Ace Umbrella.
John Swinney - Perthshire North George Adam - Paisley Karen Adam - Banffshire & Buchan Coast Heather Anderson - Dundee City West David Barratt - Cowdenbeath Colin Beattie - Midlothian North Dawn Black - Angus North & Mearns Declan Blench - Glasgow (List) Gary Bouse - Falkirk West Deidre Brock - Edinburgh Southern Keith Brown - Clackmannanshire & Dunblane Siobhian Brown - Ayr Graham Campbell - Glasgow (List) Kate Campbell - Edinburgh Eastern, Musselburgh & Tranent Michelle Campbell - Renfrewshire North & Cardonald Ross Clark - South Scotland (List) Callum Cox - Central Scotland & Lothians West (List) Jackie Dunbar - Aberdeen Donside Stephen Gethins - Dundee City East Michael Gibbons - West Scotland (List) Jenny Gilruth - Mid Fife & Glenrothes Neil Gray - Airdrie Emma Harper - Galloway and West Dumfries Katie Hagmann - Carrick, Cumnock & Doon Valley Clare Haughey - Rutherglen & Cambuslang Jamie Hepburn - Cumbernauld & Kilsyth Michael Hutchison - North East Scotland (List) Euan Hyslop - Edinburgh Northern Lyn Jardine - Edinburgh North Western Fatima Joji - Aberdeenshire West Calum Kerr - Midlothian South, Tweeddale & Lauderdale Simita Kumar - Edinburgh South Western Robert Leslie - Orkney Islands David Linden - Glasgow Baillieston and Shettleston Ben Macpherson - Edinburgh North Eastern & Leith Màiri McAllan - Clydesdale Paul McLennan - East Lothian Coast & Lammermuirs Stuart McMillan - Inverclyde Lloyd Melville - Angus South Colm Merrick - Glasgow Anniesland Jack Middleton - Aberdeen Central Jenni Minto - Argyll & Bute David Mitchell - Mid Scotland & Fife (List) Laura Mitchell - Moray Eilidh Munro - Skye, Lochaber & Badenoch Kirsten Oswald - Eastwood John Redpath - Ettrick, Roxburgh & Berwickshire Angus Robertson - Edinburgh Central Tommy Sheppard - Edinburgh & Lothians East (List) Alyn Smith - Stirling Pauline Stafford - Bathgate Collette Stevenson - East Kilbride Kaukab Stewart - Glasgow Southside Alison Thewliss - Glasgow Central Stephen Thompson - Dumfriesshire Ma…
Out for Independence statement for Trans Day of Visibility 2026: Every day, but especially today, join us at Out for Independence in standing with and celebrating our trans and non-binary siblings. However, we remember that persistent discrimination, underhand political and media attacks on trans people’s healthcare and right to exist in public, and last year’s Supreme Court ruling have worked hard to make visibility a curse, rather than a choice. Today is a reminder of the Scotland we must build - a more equal country where all citizens are treated fairly and no lie goes unchallenged.
John Swinney - Perthshire North George Adam - Paisley Karen Adam - Banffshire & Buchan Coast Heather Anderson - Dundee City West Colin Beattie - Midlothian North Dawn Black - Angus North & Mearns Declan Blench - Glasgow (List) Gary Bouse - Falkirk West Deidre Brock - Edinburgh Southern Keith Brown - Clackmannanshire & Dunblane Siobhian Brown - Ayr Graham Campbell - Glasgow (List) Kate Campbell - Edinburgh Eastern, Musselburgh & Tranent Michelle Campbell - Renfrewshire North & Cardonald Ross Clark - South Scotland (List) Callum Cox - Central Scotland & Lothians West (List) Jackie Dunbar - Aberdeen Donside Stephen Gethins - Dundee City East Michael Gibbons - West Scotland (List) Jenny Gilruth - Mid Fife & Glenrothes Neil Gray - Airdrie Emma Harper - Galloway and West Dumfries Katie Hagmann - Carrick, Cumnock & Doon Valley Clare Haughey - Rutherglen & Cambuslang Jamie Hepburn - Cumbernauld & Kilsyth Michael Hutchison - North East Scotland (List) Euan Hyslop - Edinburgh Northern Lyn Jardine - Edinburgh North Western Fatima Joji - Aberdeenshire West Simita Kumar - Edinburgh South Western Robert Leslie - Orkney Islands David Linden - Glasgow Baillieston and Shettleston Ben Macpherson - Edinburgh North Eastern & Leith MĂ iri McAllan - Clydesdale Paul McLennan - East Lothian Coast & Lammermuirs Stuart McMillan - Inverclyde Lloyd Melville - Angus South Colm Merrick - Glasgow Anniesland Jack Middleton - Aberdeen Central Jenni Minto - Argyll & Bute David Mitchell - Mid Scotland & Fife (List) Laura Mitchell - Moray Eilidh Munro - Skye, Lochaber & Badenoch Kirsten Oswald - Eastwood John Redpath - Ettrick, Roxburgh & Berwickshire Angus Robertson - Edinburgh Central Tommy Sheppard - Edinburgh & Lothians East (List) Alyn Smith - Stirling Pauline Stafford - Bathgate Collette Stevenson - East Kilbride Kaukab Stewart - Glasgow Southside Alison Thewliss - Glasgow Central Stephen Thompson - Dumfriesshire Maree Todd - Caithness, Sutherland & Ross Sophie Traynor - Dumbarton
SNP candidates who have signed Out for Independence's 2026 election pledge: John Swinney - Perthshire North George Adam - Paisley Karen Adam - Banffshire & Buchan Coast Heather Anderson - Dundee City West Colin Beattie - Midlothian North Dawn Black - Angus North & Mearns Declan Blench - Glasgow (List) Gary Bouse - Falkirk West Deidre Brock - Edinburgh Southern Keith Brown - Clackmannanshire & Dunblane Siobhian Brown - Ayr Graham Campbell - Glasgow (List) Kate Campbell - Edinburgh Eastern, Musselburgh & Tranent Michelle Campbell - Renfrewshire North & Cardonald Ross Clark - South Scotland (List) Callum Cox - Central Scotland & Lothians West (List) Jackie Dunbar - Aberdeen Donside Stephen Gethins - Dundee City East Michael Gibbons - West Scotland (List) Jenny Gilruth - Mid Fife & Glenrothes Neil Gray - Airdrie Emma Harper - Galloway and West Dumfries Katie Hagmann - Carrick, Cumnock & Doon Valley Clare Haughey - Rutherglen & Cambuslang Jamie Hepburn - Cumbernauld & Kilsyth Michael Hutchison - North East Scotland (List) Euan Hyslop - Edinburgh Northern Lyn Jardine - Edinburgh North Western Fatima Joji - Aberdeenshire West Simita Kumar - Edinburgh South Western Robert Leslie - Orkney Islands Ben Macpherson - Edinburgh North Eastern & Leith MĂ iri McAllan - Clydesdale Paul McLennan - East Lothian Coast & Lammermuirs Stuart McMillan - Inverclyde Lloyd Melville - Angus South Colm Merrick - Glasgow Anniesland Jack Middleton - Aberdeen Central Jenni Minto - Argyll & Bute David Mitchell - Mid Scotland & Fife (List) Laura Mitchell - Moray Eilidh Munro - Skye, Lochaber & Badenoch Kirsten Oswald - Eastwood John Redpath - Ettrick, Roxburgh & Berwickshire Angus Robertson - Edinburgh Central Tommy Sheppard - Edinburgh & Lothians East (List) Alyn Smith - Stirling Pauline Stafford - Bathgate Collette Stevenson - East Kilbride Kaukab Stewart - Glasgow Southside Alison Thewliss - Glasgow Central Maree Todd - Caithness, Sutherland & Ross Sophie Traynor - Dumbarton
SNP candidates who have signed Out for Independence's 2026 election pledge: John Swinney - Perthshire North George Adam - Paisley Karen Adam - Banffshire & Buchan Coast Heather Anderson - Dundee City West Colin Beattie - Midlothian North Dawn Black - Angus North & Mearns Declan Blench - Glasgow (List) Gary Bouse - Falkirk West Deidre Brock - Edinburgh Southern Keith Brown - Clackmannanshire & Dunblane Siobhian Brown - Ayr Graham Campbell - Glasgow (List) Kate Campbell - Edinburgh Eastern, Musselburgh & Tranent Michelle Campbell - Renfrewshire North & Cardonald Ross Clark - South Scotland (List) Callum Cox - Central Scotland & Lothians West (List) Jackie Dunbar - Aberdeen Donside Stephen Gethins - Dundee City East Michael Gibbons - West Scotland (List) Jenny Gilruth - Mid Fife & Glenrothes Neil Gray - Airdrie Emma Harper - Galloway and West Dumfries Katie Hagmann - Carrick, Cumnock & Doon Valley Michael Hutchison - North East Scotland (List) Euan Hyslop - Edinburgh Northern Lyn Jardine - Edinburgh North Western Fatima Joji - Aberdeenshire West Simita Kumar - Edinburgh South Western Robert Leslie - Orkney Islands Ben Macpherson - Edinburgh North Eastern & Leith MĂ iri McAllan - Clydesdale Paul McLennan - East Lothian Coast & Lammermuirs Stuart McMillan - Inverclyde Lloyd Melville - Angus South Colm Merrick - Glasgow Anniesland Jack Middleton - Aberdeen Central Jenni Minto - Argyll & Bute David Mitchell - Mid Scotland & Fife (List) Laura Mitchell - Moray Eilidh Munro - Skye, Lochaber & Badenoch Kirsten Oswald - Eastwood John Redpath - Ettrick, Roxburgh & Berwickshire Angus Robertson - Edinburgh Central Tommy Sheppard - Edinburgh & Lothians East (List) Alyn Smith - Stirling Pauline Stafford - Bathgate Kaukab Stewart - Glasgow Southside Alison Thewliss - Glasgow Central Maree Todd - Caithness, Sutherland & Ross Sophie Traynor - Dumbarton
SNP candidates who have signed Out for Independence's 2026 election pledge: John Swinney - Perthshire North Karen Adam - Banffshire & Buchan Coast Heather Anderson - Dundee City West Colin Beattie - Midlothian North Dawn Black - Angus North & Mearns Declan Blench - Glasgow (List) Gary Bouse - Falkirk West Deidre Brock - Edinburgh Southern Keith Brown - Clackmannanshire & Dunblane Siobhian Brown - Ayr Graham Campbell - Glasgow (List) Kate Campbell - Edinburgh Eastern, Musselburgh & Tranent Michelle Campbell - Renfrewshire North & Cardonald Ross Clark - South Scotland (List) Callum Cox - Central Scotland & Lothians West (List) Jackie Dunbar - Aberdeen Donside Michael Gibbons - West Scotland (List) Jenny Gilruth - Mid Fife & Glenrothes Neil Gray - Airdrie Emma Harper - Galloway and West Dumfries Katie Hagmann - Carrick, Cumnock & Doon Valley Michael Hutchison - North East Scotland (List) Euan Hyslop - Edinburgh Northern Fatima Joji - Aberdeenshire West Simita Kumar - Edinburgh South Western Robert Leslie - Orkney Islands Ben Macpherson - Edinburgh North Eastern & Leith MĂ iri McAllan - Clydesdale Paul McLennan - East Lothian Coast & Lammermuirs Stuart McMillan - Inverclyde Lloyd Melville - Angus South Colm Merrick - Glasgow Anniesland Jack Middleton - Aberdeen Central Jenni Minto - Argyll & Bute David Mitchell - Mid Scotland & Fife (List) Laura Mitchell - Moray Eilidh Munro - Skye, Lochaber & Badenoch Kirsten Oswald - Eastwood John Redpath - Ettrick, Roxburgh & Berwickshire Angus Robertson - Edinburgh Central Tommy Sheppard - Edinburgh & Lothians East (List) Alyn Smith - Stirling Pauline Stafford - Bathgate Kaukab Stewart - Glasgow Southside Alison Thewliss - Glasgow Central Maree Todd - Caithness, Sutherland & Ross Sophie Traynor - Dumbarton
SNP candidates who have signed Out for Independence's 2026 election pledge: John Swinney - Perthshire North Karen Adam - Banffshire & Buchan Coast Heather Anderson - Dundee City west Colin Beattie - Midlothian North Dawn Black - Angus North & Mearns Declan Blench - Glasgow (List) Gary Bouse - Falkirk West Deidre Brock - Edinburgh Southern Keith Brown - Clackmannanshire & Dunblane Graham Campbell - Glasgow (List) Kate Campbell - Edinburgh Eastern, Musselburgh & Tranent Michelle Campbell - Renfrewshire North & Cardonald Ross Clark - South Scotland (List) Callum Cox - Central Scotland & Lothians West (List) Michael Gibbons - West Scotland (List) Jenny Gilruth - Mid Fife & Glenrothes Neil Gray - Airdrie Katie Hagmann - Carrick, Cumnock & Doon Valley Euan Hyslop - Edinburgh Northern Fatima Joji - Aberdeenshire West Simita Kumar - Edinburgh South Western Robert Leslie - Orkney Islands Ben Macpherson - Edinburgh North Eastern & Leith Paul McLennan - East Lothian Coast & Lammermuirs Stuart McMillan - Inverclyde Colm Merrick - Glasgow Anniesland Jenni Minto - Argyll & Bute David Mitchell - Mid Scotland & Fife (List) Laura Mitchell - Moray Eilidh Munro - Skye, Lochaber & Badenoch Kirsten Oswald - Eastwood John Redpath - Ettrick, Roxburgh & Berwickshire Angus Robertson - Edinburgh Central Tommy Sheppard - Edinburgh & Lothians East (List) Alyn Smith - Stirling Pauline Stafford - Bathgate Kaukab Stewart - Glasgow Southside Alison Thewliss - Glasgow Central Maree Todd - Caithness, Sutherland & Ross Sophie Traynor - Dumbarton
SNP candidates who have signed Out for Independence's 2026 election pledge: John Swinney - Perthshire North Karen Adam - Banffshire & Buchan Coast Heather Anderson - Dundee City west Colin Beattie - Midlothian North Dawn Black - Angus North & Mearns Declan Blench - Glasgow (List) Deidre Brock - Edinburgh Southern Keith Brown - Clackmannanshire & Dunblane Graham Campbell - Glasgow (List) Kate Campbell - Edinburgh Eastern, Musselburgh & Tranent Michelle Campbell - Renfrewshire North & Cardonald Callum Cox - Central Scotland & Lothians West (List) Michael Gibbons - West Scotland (List) Jenny Gilruth - Mid Fife & Glenrothes Neil Gray - Airdrie Euan Hyslop - Edinburgh Northern Fatima Joji - Aberdeenshire West Simita Kumar - Edinburgh South Western Ben Macpherson - Edinburgh North Eastern & Leith Paul McLennan - East Lothian Coast & Lammermuirs Stuart McMillan - Inverclyde Colm Merrick - Glasgow Anniesland Jenni Minto - Argyll & Bute David Mitchell - Mid Scotland & Fife (List) Laura Mitchell - Moray Eilidh Munro - Skye, Lochaber & Badenoch Kirsten Oswald - Eastwood John Redpath - Ettrick, Roxburgh & Berwickshire Tommy Sheppard - Edinburgh & Lothians East (List) Alyn Smith - Stirling Pauline Stafford - Bathgate Kaukab Stewart - Glasgow Southside Alison Thewliss - Glasgow Central Maree Todd - Caithness, Sutherland & Ross Sophie Traynor - Dumbarton
The text of Out for Independence's 2026 election pledge for SNP candidates: We, the undersigned, pledge to uphold and protect the hard-won rights of LGBTQIA+ people. We pledge to stand against homophobia, lesbophobia, biphobia, transphobia, and all other forms of discrimination and hate against our communities. We recognise and support the right of LGBTQIA+ people to freely choose how they live and love - including their right to bodily autonomy. We condemn the culture war being perpetrated by Labour, Reform UK and Conservatives alike, who seek to make scapegoats of LGBTQIA+ people, migrants, ethnic minorities, disabled people, and people living in poverty to deflect from the ongoing failures of the Westminster parties, including their ideological commitment to Brexit. We recognise the harm and fear that this rhetoric has caused, and the dangerous polarisation which said culture war has induced. As such, we commit to defending the rights, dignity, and humanity of marginalised people. We pledge to stand up for LGBTQIA+ people against the Westminster parties’ attacks and discriminatory policies, fight harmful conversion practices, work towards accessible and efficient trans healthcare, protect the right to an abortion and double down on the ambition to end HIV transmission in Scotland by 2030. Last but not least, we commit to fight for fundamental change: Independence from the Westminster system and Union which have consistently failed to deliver for the people of Scotland.
Out for Independence are deeply concerned about the recent addition of the language of 'biological sex' to the Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Act 2021 by means of a Scottish Statutory Instrument, and the dangerous precedent that this sets. The wording was used in the recent Supreme Court ruling in a way that appeared to undermine the rights of trans people. That definition of sex was never designed to be used in the context of hate crime legislation, and in this context it potentially muddles the Act’s existing provisions against hate crimes based on sexual orientation. Consequently, we fail to understand the reasoning behind the importing of the language of the Supreme Court ruling into Scots law. This makes Scotland the first country in the UK to have defined sex in this way in any piece of legislation, which flies in the face of the Scottish Government’s commitments to inclusion. While the Scottish Government may have committed for now to always considering the issue of how to define sex in the law and policy on a case-by-case basis, this decision will only needlessly strain its credibility with LGBTQIA+ Scots. We wholeheartedly agree with taking steps against misogyny, and as such we remind our party that the Working Group on Misogyny and Criminal Justice recommended that this should be done via a dedicated bill and explicitly advised against amending the Hate Crime and Public Order Act as this would not adequately protect women. The 2021 SNP Manifesto pledged to ‘act swiftly’ on the Working Group’s advice. We understand this action was not taken due to lack of parliamentary time, and therefore we expect that, should our party form government again after May’s election, it will go forward with a full Misogyny Bill which properly protects all women and annuls this SSI.
A lone candle burning in the darkness
A headline from the National: "SNP must resist UK Government's push against trans rights"
An Out for Independence statement, set against the backdrop of the Saltire. The statement reads: "Join us at Out for Independence in celebrating the 11th anniversary of marriage equality in Scotland - a monumental part of LGBTQ+ history and a reminder that our community will always win against ignorance and lies."
An Out for Independence statement reading: "Impact of updated EHRC Code of Practice on Services, Public Functions and Associations on trans, non-binary and intersex people Council notes that, in light of April’s Supreme Court ruling that sex is defined as ‘biological sex’ for the purposes of the Equality Act 2010, the Equalities and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) released an updated Code of Practice on Services, Public Functions and Associations to the UK Government. On 20 November 2025, it was reported that the updated Code laid before the UK Government could see trans, non-binary and intersex people discriminated against based on just appearance. As these concerning media leaks and rumours have been allowed to spread by the UK Government and the EHRC, Council believes any code of practice that would severely impact people's right to privacy would be unacceptable, and acknowledges that, as highlighted by the Scottish Human Rights Commission, these discriminatory proposals have already had a severe impact on trans, non-binary and intersex people’s day-to-day lives. Council believes that every trans, non-binary and intersex person deserves protection from discrimination, as guaranteed under the EA 2010, and the right to privacy, as guaranteed by the European Convention on Human Rights. Council further believes that the EHRC’s guidance threatens these and disproportionately discriminates against trans, non-binary and intersex people. Council is of the opinion that the UK Government should open the updated Code of Practice up to debate within the House of Commons, allowing elected representatives the chance to voice concerns. Council also believes the UK Government and Parliament should reject any guidance or laws which will disproportionately impact the rights and liberties of trans, non-binary and intersex citizens."
An Out for Independence statement for Human Rights Day, set against many national flags and people reaching upwards. The statement reads: "Join us in Out for Independence, and the SNP, as we mark the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. As Labour, Reform and Conservatives attack human rights laws and bear down on minorities, it’s time for Scotland to unite in defense of the dignity and equal rights of all people."
An Out for Independence statement reading: "Out for Independence notes that, in today’s ruling in Sandie Peggie v Fife Health Board, the Employment Tribunal dismissed all the claims of discrimination on the grounds of sex or sexual harassment that had been made against the Board or Dr Beth Upton. We also note that, not long after a similar decision in BM Kelly v Leonardo UK Ltd, the Tribunal concluded that the Supreme Court’s decision in For Women Scotland v Scottish Ministers does not mean that the Equality Act 2010 requires exclusion of transgender women from changing rooms. We hope that future policies on inclusion will reflect the law and not be made in a rushed or kneejerk manner. We also hope those politicians who tried to use this Tribunal to chase headlines by rushing to judgement over this case before the evidence had been heard will reflect on their actions. All those seeking justice, regardless of their views, deserve better."
An Out for Independence statement, set against the pansexual pride flag. The statement reads as follows: "For Pansexual Pride Day 2025, join us at Out for Independence in learning, celebrating with, and advocating for the legitimacy of our pansexual members and friends!"
An Out for Independence statement, set against the background of the red HIV/AIDS ribbon. The statement reads as follows: "For World AIDS Day 2025, join us at Out For Independence to learn more about HIV & AIDS. A platform to help raise awareness and end both stigma and discrimination. Scotland is on track to be one of the first countries to end HIV transmission by 2030, so let’s help make that a reality!"
An Out for Independence statement, set against the background of the transgender flag. The statement reads as follows: "We at Out For Independence hope Transgender Awareness Week 2025 was an opportunity for everyone to learn about and celebrate trans and gender non-conforming identities. With anti-trans pseudoscience and patriarchal rhetoric on the rise, now more than ever we must bring awareness to the issues our trans communities face."
Graphic showing OFI’s logo and an image of Miss Bobbie Dazzler, our fabulous host, alongside a rainbow title of “DRAG BINGO”. Details: Sunday 12th October - 8pm Hosted by Miss Bobbie Dazzler With contact details for Twitter, Instagram, website and email.
A graphic advertising the details of Out For Independence’s 2025 Conference in Edinburgh, including a picture of the guest speaker, SNP Deputy Leader Keith Brown MSP. Details include: 2nd August 11:00-16:00 Training and Conference Venue Edinburgh EH1 1SU ///this.moved.cargo *5 minute walk from Waverley Station
A mini animation of a graphic with text: “HAPPY PRIDE MONTH! We hope you’ll join all of us at Out For Indy, and the SNP, in celebrating this month! Happy Pride 2025 everyone!” Along with an OFI logo. There is animated background text switching between “love” and “wins”. There are numerous small animated people holding various pride flags at the bottom.
Four individuals in a photo. From left to right: National Equalities Convener for the Scottish National Party Out For Independence’s Non-Portfolio Officer John Swinney MSP, Leader of the Scottish National Party Out For Independence’s Co-Convener
OFI is incredibly disappointed at the news that the End Conversion Practices Bill is not part of the PfG These last few weeks have been deeply challenging and distressing for the LGBTQIA+ community and we want to see these harmful practices ended in Scotland, once and for all We’re grateful that the Minister for Equalities, Kaukab Stewart MSP, proactively took the time to meet with us. Giving the Exec the opportunity to ask questions and seek accountability To that end, we will put out our full response statement after the PfG is set out on Tuesday – which will outline our reaction, thoughts and outlook We will continue to hold our SNP government to account and ensure that, should we be re-elected to Government in the next Parliamentary term, a Scottish Bill is ready to publish in Year 1 of the next Scottish Parliament. The Scottish Government must stand in solidarity with our community Yours for Scotland, Equality & Independence, OFI Exec 24-25 SNP’s National Equalities Convener
A graphic with the trans flag in the background. A circle with the outer rim being the progress pride flag, inner rim being the intersex symbol, with text inside. The bottom displays a trans/NB version of the OFI symbol. The title reads: Trans Day of Visibility 2025 The text reads as follows: Today, on March 31, join us in Out For Independence as we celebrate the lives of our trans and non-binary siblings! A day to take pride in who you are; share the stories and memories of your journey; and raise awareness of the continued discrimination and disinformation against the trans community. Together, we'll bring about a brighter, fairer and more equal independent Scotland!
A graphic of First Minister of Scotland, John Swinney SNP MSP, when he attended Edinburgh Pride 2024 - as part of the End Conversion Practices bloc. The text above includes highlighted sections of his quotes about why he backed the Gender Recognition Reform (Scotland) Bill, which sought to simplify the process of obtaining a GRC. The bottom left includes the logo for Out For Independence, the LGBTQIA+ affiliate wing of the SNP. The text reads: “I do not regret my support from the gender recognition reform bill” “[The Bill] was to try and improve the circumstances of a very small minority in our country, in the trans community, and to make life a bit easier for them. That was the purpose of the legislation, and that was why I was happy to support it.”
A graphic of our cross-party statement calling on Wes Streeting to resign as the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care after meeting with anti-LGBTQIA+ groups who advocate for conversion practices. Signed: Out For Independence LGBT+ Liberal Democrat’s Rainbow Greens LGBTIQA+ Greens
A joint statement condensing the UK Labour Government’s attack on young trans people signed by Out For Independence SNP National Equalities Convener Rainbow Greens English & Welsh LGBTIQA+ Greens LGBT+ UK Lib Dems