Image source, Girlguiding Scotland

SNP MSP Ruth Maguire leads a debate on the Citizen Girl initiative, a new female empowerment campaign co-created by Girlguiding Scotland and Women 50:50.

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MSPs unanimously pass the Historical Sexual Offences (Pardons and Disregards) Bill, external.

The Bill makes provision in two separate, but connected areas:

• It provides a pardon to people who were convicted of historical sexual offences that criminalised sexual activity between men for activity that is now legal; and
• It puts in place a scheme to enable a person who has been convicted of a historical sexual offence to apply to have that conviction ‘disregarded’ so that it will never be disclosed as, for example, part of an enhanced disclosure check.

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Mr Matheson confirms legal aid will be available to support those seeking a disregard and also to challenge a decision not in their favour.

On awareness, the justice secretary says a public information campaign will be central to passing this Bill, which will reach into rural and island communities.

This is a landmark Bill and the fact there were no stage 3 amendments is symbolic of the parliament being united on it, he suggests.

"Today we are righting a wrong. And today we've an opportunity to vote for pride."

"We can vote with gladness in our heart to put the wrong right tonight."

For many years Scotland just did not do gay. Homosexuality was dangerous and taboo, and it was actually against the law right up to the 1980s.

So how did a country that seemed to take pride in its prejudices end up with the best gay rights in Europe?

Post-war Scotland was a deeply conservative place. In fact, half the country voted Tory in 1950 and most people attended the Kirk on a Sunday. Sex was rarely, if ever, mentioned.

If talking about the birds and bees in the 1950s was taboo then mention of the possibility of bees getting together with each other was totally forbidden.

Read more here.

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Justice Secretary Michael Matheson says an important element of this legislation is not just about righting the wrongs of the past, but also setting the course for the future, where we "do not tolerate any form of discrimination in our society".

Mr Matheson tells the chamber it has taken too long to get to this point.

However Scotland has been in the fast lane in recent years in addressing the deficits of the past, he says.

Mr Matheson explains there will be provision for family members to be given a letter of comfort relating to disregards for deceased men.

He says the disregard system must be user friendly and easy to access.

"I've been out for 22 years and it is fair to say I have come across many people in my life who hold strong religious views against my sexuality," Mr Greene tells the chamber.

I have always found a way to find mutual ground for respect with these people, he explains.

I don't throw my private life in their face, nor do I expect them the throw their view in mine, the Tory MSP says.

Mr Greene says we must listen to each other if we are to make progress.

The member points to the prevalence of bullying faced by young LGBT people, stating "we are failing our young people today".

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Almost half of LGBT young people in Scotland are bullied at school, a report published last year suggested.

Stonewall Scotland research found 48% were bullied for their sexuality in 2017 - a drop from 52% in 2012.

And more than 63% frequently or often heard homophobic language in school, with 91% regularly hearing phrases such as "that's so gay".

The Scottish government said bullying of any kind was unacceptable and must be addressed quickly.

Read more here.

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Tory MSP Jamie Greene says today the slogans on the T-shirts we wair at Pride marches say "We're gay get over it".

Mr Greene says we must remember the gross injustices faced by tens of thousands of men who suffered.

The Tory MSP states the Bill is a pardon, a disregard and an apology.

For some it is symbolic, but for others it will help practically through the disregards, he explains.

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This Bill says a lot about the country we aspire to be, states Ms Fee, adding it is one the reject discrimination and supports LGBT communities.

Although progress has been won, same-sex relationship are still criminalised in 72 countries and punishable by death in eight, she highlights.

"The battle for LGBTI equality has no borders."

Labour MSP Mary Fee says she is "honoured and proud" to be part of today's debate.

She praises Justice Secretary Michael Matheson for his engagement at stage 2, when she lodged an amendment about providing a letter of comfort to the families of deceased gay men.

The fact that their letters will be provided without the need for legislation is welcomed.

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Tory MSP Maurice Corry says as this Bill moves to becoming the law of the land the focus is on the government's administration of the disregard and pardons system which must be sound.

Mr Corry calls on the government to co-operate and work closely with stakeholders in the design of the system.

Will there be additional resources for Police Scotland he ponders.

The Tory MSP says the disregard scheme must be as user friendly as possible so no-one is put off from applying.

"I am sure that Alan Turing will be proud of us today."

Labour MSP Pauline McNeill says it is a sadness in many ways to hear about the tragedy of our history.

There are many upsetting stories from this dark past and the horror of the state's treatment, she states.

We stand in parliament today, not as parties, but as people because we believe this is right Ms McNeill says.

Finance Secretary Derek Mackay agrees it is important for parliament to unite to say it is ok for gay and lesbian partners to walk together down the street.

The Labour MSP asserts the state must protect the right of individuals to do just that.

To conclude, Ms McNeill highlights 37% of UN nations have laws which discriminate against LGBT people, adding "there is work to be done across the globe".