Tory MSP Annie Wells says this event is an opportunity to celebrate the contribution LGBT people make to society and progress yet to be made.

Ms Wells says attitudes are changing towards same sex marriage.

The Tory MSP says the Scottish Parliament is diverse with the majority of its party's leaders identifying as LGBT. 

Conservative MSP Annie Wells uses her motion to say LGBT History Month Scotland 2017, external is a nation wide event  coordinated by LGBT Youth Scotland, external every February.

Ms Wells says the event is aimed at promoting equality and diversity in society with the specific goals of increasing the visibility of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people and their lives.

It also aims to raise awaress of their history and experiences in educational, political and cultural institutions as well as the wider community.

Image source, LGBT Youth Scotland

The Tory MSP highlights the importance of raising awareness of the issues effecting LGBTI+ people so that every individual reaches their full potential and leads a fulfilling life.

She says LGBT Youth Scotland is encouraging as many people as possible to get involved in the full programme of events, which will be delivered by a wide range of people, partners, community groups, schools, universities, colleges and local authorities.

Conservative MSP Annie Wells now lead a member's debate celebrating and raising awareness of LGBT History Month Scotland 2017, external.

MSPs agree to the Scottish government's appointments to the Scottish Fiscal Commission unanimously.

The two nominations to the Scottish Fiscal Commission are: 

• Professor Alasdair Smith from the Competition and Markets Authority 
• David Wilson from International Public Policy Institute

The Scottish Fiscal Commission, external was established in June 2014 as a non-statutory body to provide independent scrutiny of Scottish Government forecasts of receipts and economic determinants from taxes devolved to Scotland.

The Fiscal Framework agreed by the Scottish and UK Governments to accompany the Scotland Act 2016 changed the remit of the Scottish Fiscal Commission. whereby it will become responsible for the production of forecasts from April 2017.

Finance Secretary Derek Mackay will now call for MSPs to back the Scottish government's nominations to the Scottish Fiscal Commission. 

The Scottish Rate Resolution is agreed to with 61 MSPs backing it and with 55 against and with 6 abstentions.

Image source, Scottish Parliament

Image source, PA

The finance secretary says a great deal of Tory hypocrisy has been exposed in this debate.

Mr Mackay says the government will not pass on the Tory tax cuts.

He says the SNP believes in public services and a fairer society.

The minister concludes calling for MSPs to back the Scottish Rate Resolution and not to put at risk £11.9bn.

Mr Mackay says the government's position on the NHS is that it was offering more than any other party during the election.

The finance secretary says there are huge financial risks due to Brexit and this must be considered.

Mr Mackay says Patrick Harvie and his party have worked constructively with the government.

"Our package feels like the right one to support a greater number of people," he says. 

He says he is watching with interest as Labour-led local authorities who said they required more funding are declining the option of increasing council tax.

Image source, Getty Images

Mr Mackay says he believes the proposition he is putting forward on income tax is the best deal for Scotland.

The finance secretary says it allows investment in the social contract and not passing on the Tory tax cut for the richest.

He says: "I think it is a very fair proposition."

The minister says it is just not true to say Scotland is the highest taxed part of the UK, when everything is taken into account.

Finance Secretary Derek Mackay says this has been a useful debate ahead of what will be a "historic vote".

The finance secretary says the Tories are going to have to do better than constantly referring to "Mackay's magic money tree."

Mr Mackay says it is important to move forward and give taxpayers the certainty they require.

Image source, bbc

Mr Lockhart says Mr Mackay has a magic money tree where he can find money whenever he needs it.

The Tory MSP says if you increase tax in Scotland there is a danger that you will dilute the tax base and end up with less revenue.

He says the Tories will be voting against the Scottish Rate Resolution. 

Mr Lockhart says this tax increase is just the latest example of the SNP's complete misunderstanding of how the economy works.

The Tory MSP says: "You cannot tax your way to prosperity."

This is why, he says, the Tories are against policies that will make Scotland the highest part of the UK. 

Tory MSP Dean Lockhart says this new tax policy will increase the tax burden for police, health workers and teachers.

Mr Lockhart says the SNP tax increase will further damage the economy.

The Tory MSP says Scotland has the highest rate of economic inactivity compared with anywhere else in the UK.

"We are not talking down Scotland we are highlighting the damage of this SNP government," he says. 

Image source, bbc

Mr Kelly says this is a time to be bold as a parliament and look at the powers that are there at our disposal.

The Labour MSP says it is time to stand up for communities and reject the motion on the table and reopen budget discussions. 

Mr Kelly says the SNP government has "gone week at the knees" at using the tax powers available to it. 

The Labour MSP says there are "contradictory positions" on the SNP benches.

He says he is puzzled by the Greens approach to this because they have consistently argued for higher tax rates for top end earners. 

"The Greens were bought off very cheaply," he says.

Mr Kelly says surely it would be better to reject this proposal. 

Scottish Greens Co-convener Patrick Harvie intervenes to say that would result in more public service cuts.

Mr Kelly says it would have been better to reject the proposal and return to negotiate further for less cuts.