Highland MSP Emma Roddick backs Merkinch Primary in Inverness over gender and sexual orientation survey
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Pupils at Merkinch Primary were asked to complete a survey that included questions about sexual orientation and gender identity.
Highland Council explained that the survey was intended to collect insights on pupil wellbeing to help inform wider school improvement and Highland MSP Emma Roddick later also offered her support for the initiative.
Ms Roddick recently voted in favour of the Scottish Government's Gender Recognition Reform Bill and said: "The primary school has my full backing in looking out for its pupils.
"I understand its survey asked if children would make fun of others for having two mums or dads, a situation it's likely many are in.
"It's right that the school knows if homophobia is causing anyone distress.
"Bairns understand and notice a lot more of what goes on around them than many folk give them credit for, and with better visibility and acceptance of queer identities, it's right that they are given the space to understand their part in continuing that acceptance.
"They might have two mums, or a friend with two dads, and, by late primary school, may very well know more about themselves than their parents did at the same age.
"Unfortunately, hate crime towards those in the LGBTQI community is on the rise, and intolerance is a learned behaviour.
"If kids recognise early on that it's OK for them and their families to be who they are, and that it's wrong to make someone else feel bad for who they are, that can only be a good thing for the future."
Katie Gillies, from Inverness and now studying gender studies and LGBTQ+ rights at Edinburgh University, also responded to the original report of the survey.
"Children should be allowed to have their voices heard and be granted a space in which they feel safe to discuss and understand matters of gender and sexuality," she said.
"Providing them with this space is something that is desperately needed."
