AN anti-LGBT+ lobby is at work in both the UK and Scottish Governments, Scottish Pride groups have said.
In a joint statement issued by 23 Scottish Pride organisations ahead of this year's International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT), it was also warned that LGBT+ people were being used as "political pawns".
Concerns were also raised regarding the continued demonisation of those in the queer community, particularly transgender people in the wake of the recent Supreme Court ruling.
It read: “As a collective group of LGBTQIA+ Pride Organisations across Scotland, we issue this statement against the current geopolitical climate.
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“We are deeply alarmed by the escalation in the demonisation of LGBTQIA+ people, particularly trans individuals, both at home and abroad.
“The current US administration's actions to reverse LGBTQIA+ rights and deny the existence of trans people have global implications, encouraging harm to LGBTQIA+ people worldwide, including in Scotland.
“The recent Supreme Court ruling and the subsequent guidance by the Equality and Human Rights Commission are a serious threat to the rights of trans people.
“Additionally, continued delays to the ban on conversion therapy, the banning of puberty blockers, and the obstruction of the Gender Recognition Reform (Scotland) Bill indicate the influence of the anti-LGBTQIA+ lobby in both the UK and Scottish Governments.”
Rising hate crime statistics were also highlighted, with the number of targeted attacks increasing steadily in recent years.
Spokespeople from the various Pride organisations involved highlighted the importance of issuing the statement.
A Trans Pride Scotland spokesperson said: “Today, on the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia, we stand united in affirming the dignity, rights and humanity of LGBTQIA+ people across Scotland.
“Love is not a crime. Identity is not a threat. Equality is not an option.”
IDAHOBIT is marked on Saturday, May 17.
Orkney Pride representatives added: “Orkney Pride are disappointed in the erosion of basic human rights, particularly when it comes to the LGBTQIA+ community.
“We stand firmly behind this statement and our siblings around the globe.”
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