Backing for LGBT Yes vote forum

DEPUTY First Minister Nicola Sturgeon yesterday gave her backing to a pro-independence group which aims to persuade lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people to vote Yes in the 2014 referendum.

The Out for Independence organisation, a wing of the SNP, will hold its first conference today in Glasgow.

Ms Sturgeon said: “The SNP has a positive message for all of Scotland and I congratulate Out for Independence on holding its inaugural conference.

“It’s a great new group for the SNP and one that I believe will help persuade the people of Scotland to vote Yes in next year’s referendum.”

Speakers at the conference include Tom French, of the Equality Network, which campaigned for equal marriage. Conference organiser Stewart McDonald said: “Our first annual conference promises to be a huge success.”