SNP MSP for the Highlands & Islands, Emma Roddick, has spoken of her concern at figures obtained through a Freedom of Information request which show that hate crimes recorded against LGBT+ people in the Highlands rose by 46% between 2020-2021.
Roddick, who is the first out MSP to represent the region in the Scottish Parliament and who also co-convenes its LGBTI+ Cross-Party Group, commented that the figures were shocking but not surprising. The MSP recognised that, whilst great progress has been made, there is still far to go before true equality is achieved.
Roddick admits that, “the rise in recorded crime is horrifying, but it’s not shocking to those of us who live it…from social media pile-ons to street harassment, it’s still indefensibly normal to experience hate for being who you are.” Roddick also emphasised that, “I hope people in the community feel able to contact me on any issue – my office will not judge or make assumptions about you and I’m here to help in any way I can from a place of understanding and solidarity.”
The full article can be accessed here: https://www.northern-times.co.uk/news/figures-show-rise-in-hate-crimes-against-lgbt-people-266976/
Emma Roddick MSP 