United Nations report recognises LGBT Inclusive Education in Scotland

November 19, 2025

United Nations report recognises LGBT Inclusive Education in Scotland

A report examining barriers to the right to education faced by LGBT learners across the world was delivered to the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly.

In his latest report to the UN General Assembly, Graeme Reid, the Independent Expert on protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, has examined barriers to the right to education faced by LGBT learners.

The report notes that LGBT learners are subject to various forms of discrimination in education settings within UN Member States, including bullying, exclusion, and hostile learning environments, which can lead to adverse outcomes for children and young people.

The report found that such conditions undermine not only the right to education but also broader human rights commitments to equality and dignity for all.

When LGBT persons are denied inclusive access to education, the principles of equality and justice for all are undermined. Every learner deserves to thrive in a school that is safe, respectful and inclusive.

Graeme Reid, UN Independent Expert

The publication of the report follows an international call for evidence from expert organisations, educators, and advocacy organisations. The UN Expert highlights that LGBT learners experience significantly higher rates of bullying and harassment than their peers, including online abuse, forced outing, and violence at school in Member States.

The report directly addresses the role of LGBT-inclusive curriculum in preventing prejudice, and examines the spread of so-called “promotion/propaganda” laws in UN Member States – noting that a lack of comprehensive education about LGBT persons and topics curtails access to accurate information and safe learning for children and young people.

The UN Expert emphasises that safe and inclusive schools are a prerequisite for realising the right to education.

In Scotland, the Government has adopted a national approach to LGBT-inclusive education, which requires age-appropriate, LGBT-inclusive content to be taught across curriculum areas and education levels.

An LGBT group has been engaged by the Scottish Government to implement mandatory training for all teachers in this methodology.

Graeme Reid, UN Independent Expert

The UN Expert recognises Scotland as an international example, noting that the National Approach to LGBT Inclusive Education requires LGBT-inclusive content suitable for the age and stage of learners to be included across curriculum areas and stages, and that professional learning is delivered to teachers and school staff across the country with government support.

His report made a series of policy recommendations to Member States, many of which are already underway in Scotland due to the progress made on LGBT Inclusive Education since the Scottish Government accepted 33 policy recommendations from an expert working group in 2018.

We welcome the UN Expert's recognition of Scotland’s leadership in LGBT Inclusive Education, following last year’s commendation from Council of Europe experts.

At a time when calls for ideological anti-LGBT censorship in schools are growing across the world, we must protect and strengthen our approach here in Scotland.

With young people today exposed to disinformation, prejudice, and hate on social media, it has never been more important that classrooms remain places of safety and respect, where every pupil can see themselves, their families, and the diversity of our society reflected in what they learn.

We will continue to enhance and strengthen our work in Scotland, and engage with international partners to support the development of vital education initiatives.

Jordan Daly Co-Founder and Director of Time for Inclusive Education (TIE)

The UN Expert’s report, Protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in relation to the human right to education, was delivered to the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in September 2025.

More information about our work with schools, including professional learning and curriculum resources, can be found on the Teachers section of our website.