Scotland announced Thursday that it has become the first country in the world to mandate LGBT+ inclusive education in all public schools.
“Scotland is already considered one of the most progressive countries in Europe for LGBTI equality,” Scottish Deputy First Minister John Swinney said in a statement. “I am delighted to announce we will be the first country in the world to have LGBTI-inclusive education embedded within the curriculum.
“Our education system must support everyone to reach their full potential,” his statement added. “That is why it is vital the curriculum is as diverse as the young people who learn in our schools.”
The new policy makes it mandatory for government schools to teach LGBT+ issues, including history and awareness education, and will provide free training and teaching materials for teachers. There will be no exemptions or opt-outs to the policy, The Guardian reported.
Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon celebrated the move on Twitter and praised the Time for Inclusive Education (TIE) group for working “so hard to achieve this outcome.”
“This is a monumental victory for our campaign, and a historic moment for our country,” Jordan Daly, the co-founder of TIE, said in a statement, The Guardian reported. “The implementation of LGBTI inclusive education across all state schools is a world first. In a time of global uncertainty, this sends a strong and clear message to LGBTI young people that they are valued here in Scotland.”