HomeBusinessSwinney defends Forbes as Greens claim LGBTQ community 'scared' Achi-News

Swinney defends Forbes as Greens claim LGBTQ community ‘scared’ Achi-News

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Achi news desk-

There was also criticism from the SNP’s LGBTQ wing, Out For Indy.

They say they will “seek urgent clarification from the FM and DFM that our progressive LGBTQ+ policies such as the ban on conversion practices will not be suspended or removed from the governing programme.”

During First Minister’s Questions, Patrick Harvie asked if the “new SNP leader’s vision for the future of Scotland” was taking the country “back to the repressive values ​​of the 1950s?”

Later in the day, Ross Greer told MLAs that his party would vote against Ms Forbes’ appointment.

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However, a potential crisis for the government was averted when the Lib Dems stood down, and Ash Regan of Alba voted with the minority administration.

A number of opposition Members of Parliament did not take part in the vote either.

In the end, Ms Forbes’ appointment was approved by 63 to 57.

The Deputy First Minister, who is a member of the socially conservative Free Church of Scotland, came under fire during last year’s SNP leadership contest over comments on gay marriage.

Although he was not a member of the Scottish Parliament when the legislation was passed in early 2014, he told an interviewer that he would have voted against it if he had.

In another interview, he said that having children outside of marriage “would be wrong according to my faith.”

The comments led to many of her supporters abandoning her campaign before it had really begun.

It was also criticized by Mr Swinney.

At the time, he said: “If Kate wants to state those views, which I completely disagree with even though I am a man of deep faith, then the members of the party will make up their minds about those views and whether they believe those views are appropriate for them. someone to catch if they are SNP leader and prime minister.”

On Thursday, Mr Greer told MPs: “There is no credible argument for someone being an unfit Prime Minister, but a perfectly fit deputy.”

Mr Greer told MPs: “My belief in the good news that Jesus Christ brings is something I share with Mr Swinney and Ms Forbes, and that we share something much more important than party affiliation or political ideology.

“Faith is not the issue here. The issue is that I’m being asked to vote for someone who thinks there’s something wrong with me.”

He said many LGBTQ Scots were “scared.”

“I know that’s not your intention, and it’s certainly not Ms. Forbes’ intention, but that’s the reality.”

Responding to the comments of Scotland’s Green MSP, the First Minister said that the country he leads today is a “modern, diverse, dynamic society” and he wants to keep it that way.

He said his entire government was committed to that.

“I want every single person in our society to feel that they are at home and at peace in our society,” he added.

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Mr Swinney told Mr Greer: “I come to these conclusions from a very deep Christian faith. I believe that nothing can separate us from God’s love. That’s the foundation of who I am. Nothing can separate us from God’s love and we are equal in God’s eyes.”

“All of us.

“I hope that those comments, which are more concrete about faith than I have ever said in my 45 years in politics, may show the Senate how seriously I take the issues which Mr. Greer gives me.”

Speaking to journalists after First Minister’s Questions, Ms Forbes said: “I am here to support the First Minister and together we serve all communities in Scotland as we promote and develop the rights of all communities in Scotland , and I look forward to doing my part. in achieving the Government’s objectives in that regard.

“Not only that, but when I joined the Government yesterday in a clear role to support the First Minister, I signed up to joint responsibility, so I abide by the Government’s decisions and agenda to improve and develop the rights of all Scottish communities .”

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