Our Policies - Out for Independence

OFI Policies

The following is a list of policy resolutions passed at OFI conferences by date. If a resolution has gone on to be passed by the SNP as a whole, this is indicated. Internal resolutions cannot go on to be passed by the party.

Key:
Passed by the SNP: this resolution, or one very close to it, has gone on to be passed by the party as a whole at an SNP National Conference or National Council.
Internal: this resolution focuses on matters internal to OFI, calling for us to change our constitution or engage with other organisations in a certain way, rather than calling for changes in public policy.
Topical: a topical resolution is brought after the initial deadline for resolutions on a subject that is relevant to current events which have occurred after the deadline.

2026 OFI Conference – 13th June 2026, Edinburgh

1. Creation of a Safeguarding Officer (Internal)

Pursuant to Article 8(3) of the Constitution, Conference resolves that Article 6(4) be amended by inserting–

immediately after Article 6(4)(f), and that the remaining sub-paragraphs of Article 6(4) be renumbered accordingly.

Conference further resolves that, notwithstanding Article 6(7), the position of National Safeguarding Officer shall not be treated as a vacancy immediately upon the adoption of this amendment and shall instead be first filled by election at the next Annual General Meeting.

2. Decriminalisation of Sex Work

Conference notes the harm that the Nordic model of regulation in relation to sex work causes and that pushing the purchase of sex underground helps nobody. Conference further notes that the Nordic model impacts the safety of sex workers, as it can make clients less willing to be vetted and comply with safety measures.

Conference acknowledges that a disproportionate number of sex workers are members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Conference recognises the implications that the purchase of sex being criminalised would have on a worker’s access to legal recourse, stable accommodation and financial services. Conference rejects the assumption intrinsic to the Nordic model that the purchase of sex is inherently ‘wrong’, and the stigmatisation that comes with that assumption.

Conference believes that the safest and most equitable system for sex workers and clients is full decriminalisation. Conference further believes that decriminalisation would provide no legal basis for discrimination against sex workers nor disadvantages them as compared to workers in other sectors.

Conference affirms that full decriminalisation is a harm-reduction approach grounded in workers’ safety, autonomy and labour rights. Conference believes that decriminalisation enables sex workers to work more safely, screen clients, work together for mutual protection, report violence, seek healthcare and access support services without fear of criminalisation, eviction, loss of income or discrimination.

Conference further believes that sex workers should have the same rights, protections and access to justice as workers in other sectors, including protection from exploitation, violence, harassment, discrimination, unsafe working conditions and unfair treatment by public bodies, financial institutions, landlords and employers. Conference rejects any legal framework that increases stigma, isolation or precarity for sex workers, or that makes workers less safe by forcing their work further underground.

Conference therefore demands the full decriminalisation of sex work, including the provision, purchase, facilitation and collective organisation of sex work, and the removal of laws and policies that criminalise, penalise or discriminate against sex workers, their clients, third parties or those who support sex workers’ safety. Conference further demands that sex workers be treated on par with workers in other industries, with equal access to labour rights, legal recourse, housing, healthcare, financial services, social security, immigration support where applicable, and protection from violence and exploitation.

3. Amend the Equality Act

Conference expresses disappointment in the UK Supreme Court’s judgement in April 2025 regarding the definition of sex within the Equality Act 2010, which we consider to be exclusionary to our trans and non-binary siblings. Conference does, however, acknowledge that under the current interpretation of the legislation the Scottish Government is legally obligated to abide by this decision.

Conference believes that trans and non-binary people deserve full respect and equal treatment under the law, especially equalities law which is intended to protect marginalised groups. Conference notes that under the current legislation, this is very difficult for any public body to achieve following the Supreme Court judgement.

Conference notes that the exclusion of trans and non-binary people has been forced on Scotland as part of Westminster’s narrow ideological agenda, first through the blocking of the Gender Recognition Reform Bill in 2023 and now through a Supreme Court judgement that derailed legislation to increase the number of women on public boards.

Conference therefore calls on the UK Parliament to amend the text of the Equality Act to: include a definition of sex which is inclusive of trans and non-binary people, which would override this judgement and enable this and future legislation to be inclusive of everyone.

Should this prove impossible, Conference calls on the UK Parliament to fully devolve equalities law, allowing Scotland to make its own choices based on evidence not ideology.

4. Ending the Categorisation of Neurodivergent Conditions as Mental Disorders

Conference expresses dismay that too many autistic people, people with learning disabilities, and otherwise neurodivergent people, linger in inappropriate mental health facilities for far longer than it is necessary to treat any co-occurring mental health issues. Conference notes that neurodivergence is distinct from mental illness, while acknowledging that neurodivergent people may have co-occurring mental health conditions which may require treatment.

Conference believes that neurodivergent people will be better served by having distinct Learning Disability, Autism and Neurodiversity (LDAN) legislation rather than being lumped under the Mental Health Act. Conference further believes that detention under the Mental Health Act solely for neurodivergence is inappropriate and can have an adverse effect, deepening a crisis and depriving neurodivergent people of their liberty for no benefit.

Conference calls on the Scottish Parliament to deliver the LDAN bill, and therefore commit to ending the classification of autism and learning disabilities as mental disorders, in order to better serve neurodivergent communities and ensure access to services is appropriate and beneficial for autistic and otherwise neurodivergent people.

5. Demedicalisation of Asexuality

Conference is disappointed that a lack of sexual interest remains a diagnosable medical condition under the ICD-11 as “Hypoactive Sexual Desire Dysfunction”, and under the DSM-V as the gendered categories of “Female Sexual Interest/Arousal Disorder” and “Male Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder”. Conference notes that while a lack of interest arising from trauma may indeed require diagnosis and treatment; innate lack of interest should not be pathologised in this way.

Conference affirms that asexuality, defined as a lack of sexual attraction, is a valid sexual orientation which is part of the LGBT+ community and is not a mental disorder. Conference acknowledges the difference between an innate lack of sexual attraction and the diminishing of interest as a result of trauma, which is not the same thing as asexuality.

Conference calls on Scottish healthcare providers to be mindful of the fact that asexuality is a legitimate orientation, and to separate innate lack of interest from acquired lack of interest. Conference further calls on the World Health Organization (WHO) and American Psychiatric Association (APA), who print the ICD and DSM respectively, to remove innate lack of interest from future editions of their diagnostic manuals and require that a triggering event is present for a diagnosis of lack of sexual interest to be given.

A. Reducing Quorums for National Conference and AGMs (Topical) (Internal)

Conference notes that membership engagement in Out for Independence has decreased over several years, including lower attendance at meetings and difficulty consistently reaching the quorum required by the Constitution.

Conference further notes that Article 4(5) of the Constitution requires a quorum of 20 members for Conference, and that Article 5(5) requires a quorum of 20 members for Annual General Meetings.

Conference believes that, while quorum should remain high enough to ensure democratic legitimacy, the current threshold no longer reflects OFI’s active membership or present level of engagement.

Conference recognises that under the current Constitution OFI may be unable to validly hold Conference or an Annual General Meeting if fewer than 20 members are in attendance. Conference believes that this risks preventing OFI from electing office bearers, receiving reports, amending its Constitution, passing policy and carrying out the basic democratic functions required for its continued operation.

Conference therefore believes that a lower quorum is necessary to allow OFI to function, while still ensuring that decisions are made by a meaningful number of members.

Conference resolves that in Article 4(5) of the Constitution, leave out < 20› and insert <10>.

Conference further resolves that in Article 5(5) of the Constitution, leave out < 20> and insert <10>.

B. Solidarity Against the Far Right (Topical)

Conference denounces the racist events that have unfolded on the streets across Scotland, Northern Ireland and Southampton. Whilst conference is aware and condemns the violent incident that occurred in North Belfast and the Hampshire Police’s horrific mishandling in Henry Nowak, conference notes that this in no way justifies the collective punishment the Far Right is currently inflicting on people of colour living peacefully in our streets today. Conference also recognises that whilst this dangerous narrative came from Reform and Restore, it is aware the Conservative and Labour Parties paved the way for this hateful rhetoric to become more mainstream under the guise of “legitimate concerns.”

Conference believes this rhetoric does not stop at one demographic and will continue to endanger others, including the LGBTQIA+ communities. It notes this is already happening in Reform controlled councils in England ranging from removing funding from Pride events, taking LGBTQIA+ books from council libraries and refusing to fly the Pride flag on council owned buildings. At a time of increasing polarisation, it is incumbent for conference to stand firm against racism, xenophobia, prejudice, and hate in all its forms.

Conference therefore resolves to stand in solidarity with ethnic minorities communities and encourages the Party to continuously call this out at all cost.

2025 OFI Conference – 2nd August 2025, Edinburgh

1. Police Use of Live Facial Recognition Technology (passed by the SNP)

Conference notes that in April 2025, Police Scotland began seeking views about the introduction of live facial recognition technology in Scotland.

Conference recognises that this technology has been in use in England and Wales since 2016, and in this time has been subject to continuous escalation in use, repeated legal challenges, and courts finding that the use of this technology breaches privacy rights as well as data protection and equality laws.

Conference notes, by contrast, that the European Union has recently adopted the Artificial Intelligence Act, which curtails the use of technologies which pose an ‘unacceptable’ or ‘high’ risk to fundamental rights, including the use of Live Facial Recognition technology by police.

Conference recognises that current and proposed use of Live Facial Recognition has been criticised by the Equality and Human Rights Commission, the Scottish Human Rights Commission, and a range of human rights NGOs on the basis of threats to European Convention rights to privacy, to freedom of expression, to freedom of assembly, and to non-discrimination.

Conference affirms the work of the Scottish Parliament Sub-Committee on Justice and Policing, who studied this issue in 2020 and concluded that there was “no justifiable basis for Police Scotland to invest in this technology” and that doing so would “would be a radical departure from Police Scotland’s fundamental principle of policing by consent”.

Conference therefore resolves that:

Police use of Live Facial Recognition technology should not be allowed in Scotland without primary legislation passed by the Scottish Parliament;

Any legislation should be compatible with the Human Rights Act and the European Convention on Human Rights; and

This legislation should be compatible with the European Union Artificial Intelligence Act’s restrictions on use of Live Facial Recognition technology.

This resolution was passed by Southside Central branch at the SNP’s 2025 Annual National Conference in Aberdeen, with the support of Out for Independence, the Disabled Members Group, Young Scots for Independence, and Sadie Matthews, National Equalities Convener.

2. ILGA Membership (Internal)

Conference recognises the influence and successes of the International LGBTQIA+ Organisation known as ILGA (International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association) including its participation as a consult for various groups with the United Nations and Council of Europe.

Conference believes Scotland has been a world-leading in queer rights thanks to many of the advancements made under the SNP’s leadership and time in Government, and could act as a role-model for many countries around the world. Conference also agrees that such progress should not only continue, but must accelerate at a time when the Westminster system sees queer people as a threat.

Conference therefore calls on the National Executive Committee of Out For Independence to pursue affiliate membership of ILGA, giving the affiliate a stakeholder status on queer campaigns in Scotland and the UK, whilst promoting giving Scotland a voice on the world stage.

3. Education and Training Committee (passed by the SNP)

Conference recognises that developing activists’ skills, knowledge, and confidence is essential to delivering successful, high-quality campaigns. Conference commends the work of local and national organisers across Scotland and notes the valuable role of the existing SNP College in supporting activist development.

However, Conference acknowledges that training opportunities can be sparse, sporadic, and inconsistent across regions. To ensure our activist base is well-prepared for the Scottish Parliament elections in 2026 and forthcoming local council elections, Conference mandates the NEC to establish a dedicated Education and Training Subcommittee.

Conference empowers the NEC to define the remit, terms of reference, and membership of this subcommittee and requests that regular reports be submitted to both the NEC and Conference, ensuring transparency, accountability, and effective oversight.

This resolution was passed by Paisley Burgh branch at the SNP’s 2025 Annual National Conference in Aberdeen.

4. Solidarity with the Trans and Non-Binary Community

Conference agrees that Scotland is no place for the discrimination and erosion of minority rights.

Conference notes with great concern, the 16th April 2025 Supreme Court (SC) ruling which, with reference to the Equality Act 2010, defined “sex” as solely biological sex, a ruling which has the effect of denying trans people long-held rights, including being recognised as their identified gender and being able to equally access services.

Conference condemns the Equalities and Human Rights Commission (EHCR)’s rushed interim guidance – a very strict and excessive interpretation and application of the SC judgement. Conference is concerned that this interpretation may breach the court’s stipulation that trans people do not face further discrimination as a result of the ruling.

Conference understands these events have had devastating consequences for the safety and inclusion of trans and non-binary people within everyday life here in Scotland and the rest of the UK.

Conference therefore affirms and agrees to stand in solidarity with the trans and non-binary communities, to encourage public bodies and public services such as the NHS to be trans and non-binary inclusive and work actively to remove barriers facing this community, not least for everyone to be able to access public and workplace conveniences aligned to one’s gender identity.

Conference resolves that OFI shall actively campaign for the upholding of the rights of trans and non-binary people and their access to healthcare, advocating for these principles to be enshrined and robustly protected within the constitution of an independent Scotland.

Furthermore, Conference resolves to call for the Equality Act 2010 to be amended to ensure that the definition of “sex” is inclusive of those who are trans and gender non-conforming, thereby providing legal protection for all.

6. Creation of the Trans and Intersex Officer (Internal)

Conference recognises the rise of disinformation campaigns fuelled by hatred, pseudoscience, and/or ignorance, driven by a cult-like mentality whilst fuelled by both dark money (notably from the United States) and cyber propaganda (notably from Russia).

Conference recognises the growing apathy towards social justice is not a growing rejection of equality, but its perception as a distraction to tackling day-to-day issues, such as the Cost of Living Crisis. Additionally, a lack of public awareness only exacerbates this – leading to the vilification of trans people, and the erasure of intersex people (and people with a VSC).

Conference therefore calls for the establishment of the Trans and Intersex Officer for the next, and ongoing, National Executive Committees of Out For Independence.

Lastly, Conference understands that such a role carries the risk of ‘pigeon-holing’ trans and/or intersex members, and therefore includes the caveat that such a new Officer is encouraged to be elected alongside another position during the AGM.

7. Neurodevelopmental Pathways (passed by the SNP)

Conference acknowledges the significant rise in demand for ADHD assessments following the COVID-19 pandemic. The shift to remote learning and the impact of lockdowns brought previously unrecognised symptoms to light in both children and adults.

Conference expresses deep regret that many individuals face lengthy waits for assessment, and notes with concern that some services are being withdrawn entirely, leaving many neurodivergent people without a clear pathway to recognition, diagnosis, or treatment.

Conference emphasises that conditions such as ADHD and autism are not mental health disorders. However, due to stigma and discrimination, neurodivergent individuals are significantly more likely to experience mental health challenges.

Conference commends the SNP Government’s continued investment in this area, including support for the Autistic Adult Support Fund and the National Autism Implementation Team (NAIT), both of which benefit people with ADHD and autism. Conference also echoes the Royal College of Psychiatrists’ call for a restructured, national approach to the adult neurodevelopmental pathway.

Conference welcomes renewed attention to this area and calls for:

• Timely access to neurodevelopmental assessment, diagnosis, and appropriate interventions, including medical treatment where required.

• Proportionate, relevant, and neurodiversity-affirming support and information across services, communities, and society.

• The development of neurodevelopmentally informed services, co-designed with neurodivergent people.

This resolution was passed by Paisley Burgh branch at the SNP’s 2025 Annual National Conference in Aberdeen.

8. Reaffirming our Stances on LGBTQIA+ Rights and Policy

Conference believes Out For Independence plays a vital role in holding the party, leadership, NEC and its representatives at various levels to account. As such, Conference holds that this necessitates a clear agreed position on key issues.

Conversion Practices Ban

Conference holds that the preferred position on a Conversation Practices Ban would be for a Scotland-specific Bill, believing that no Westminster Government would work in good-faith nor deliver a UK-wide Bill whose efficacy demonstrably surmounts a Scotland-only Bill. That a Bill ready and proposed for a Stage 1 vote (in either Parliament) must be presented before Summer Recess 2027.

Section 35 and Gender Recognition Reform

Conference believes the use of the Section 35 was wrong, and challenging the Section Order was the correct decision by Party Leadership. Conference believes that given the Bill was ruled to be component and the reasons for the Section’s use were proven to be both baseless and irrelevant to its use, it sets a dangerous precedent for Scottish Democracy outwith queer rights.

Therefore, Conference believes giving credence to the Section Order by agreeing to any alterations which materially changes the effect of the Bill is unacceptable. However, Conference does hold that should a minor amendment which reverses the reduction in age from 18 to 16, instead be an amendment to ‘UK Age of Majority’ (which would revert from 18 to 16 upon independence) would be an acceptable compromise.

Lessons and Communication from GRR

Conference believes that Gender Recognition Reform was the correct decision, but criticises the delays which enabled a disinformation campaign to arise. Conference recognises the failure to adequately educate, inform and communicate the detail and effect of the Bill to the public by both the Party and Government – and believes a complete overhaul of political communication is now required.

Supreme Court Ruling Implications

Conference recognises the concern around the Supreme Court Ruling, and does not agree with the judgement. However, Conference believes that it is vital that we reaffirm our commitment to non-binary and gender non-conforming Scots, ensuring the Non-Binary Equality Action Plan does not face serious setbacks.

Intersex Rights Policy Priority

Lastly, Conference recognises the erasure of Intersex Scots and Scots with Variations in Sex Characteristics, and is delighted that Out For Independence’s resolution on this topic passed by acclaim to become the SNP’s party policy. However, Conferences holds that although all elements of the resolution are vital, the immediate priority is to push for a complete ban on non-essential, non-consensual, IGM which continues to take place on intersex infants.

9. Protections for Hair, Piercings and Tattoos

Conference understands that an individual’s professional capacity should not be determined by their physical appearance such as hair colour, style, texture, piercings nor tattoos.

Conference recognises that this form of discrimination significantly impacts ethnic minorities and those from other marginalised communities such as LGBTQIA+ people.

Conference believes that people regardless of bodily expression should not be discriminated against within a professional capacity nor in the work space.

Conference calls for legislation to be updated to include bodily self expression as a protected characteristic (inclusive of hair style, texture and colour alongside piercings as well as tattoos which do not contravene the Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Act 2021) to avoid exclusion, disciplinary action and/or dismissal from the workplace, or a lack of professional and employment opportunities, for those with such forms of self expression.

10. Looking Ahead to 2026

Conference holds that independence is vital for LGBTQIA+ people across Scotland, as there is no queer liberation under Westminster. However, Conference also holds that action must be taken to maximise the protections and safety of Scotland’s queer community prior to independence.

As such, Conference acknowledges that the dropping of the Bill to ban Conversion Practices in Scotland, alongside the Adults with Incapacity and Misogyny Bills, was deeply disappointing, completely regrettable and entirely avoidable. Understandably inducing concerns that the SNP is falling short of their commitment to queer people.

Additionally, Conference recognises the criticisms of the 2024 Westminster Election Manifesto which not only lacked any substance around LGBTQIA+ priorities, but did a great disservice to the policies, work and legacies of our existing MPs when advocating for their queer constituents.

However, Conference does believe the SNP is the party with the most potential to advance LGBTQIA+ rights across Scotland, and is right we are held to a higher standard.

Whilst Conference is pleased that party leader, John Swinney, made clear his commitment to the whole of the LGBTQIA+ community openly, publicly and proudly during the ‘Year-to-Go’ candidate launch.

Therefore, Conference demands that there be a clear commitment to a year 1 (one) trans-inclusive Conversion Practices Ban Bill in the SNP’s 2026 Holyrood Election Manifesto, and calls on the affiliate Executive to press the party for consult, proof-read and input into relevant policy areas to ensure inclusivity and reduce the risk of essential policies slipping through the cracks.

T1. No Pride in Genocide (Topical)

Conference recognises the ongoing genocide in the occupied Palestinian states.

Conference is appalled by the way supporters of Israel’s actions use the status of LGBTQIA+ people in Palestine to pink-wash genocide. The elimination of an entire community cannot be ignored in the so-called name of LGBTQIA+ rights Conference recognises that there can be no rights movement for LGBTQIA+ Palestinians without peace, stability, statehood, and access to the basic necessities of life.

Conference calls for;

• The recognition of the ongoing genocide.

• Unconditional recognition of Palestine as its own state.

• Condemnation of the use of pink-washing to diminish the ongoing violence

• Supports members participation in No Pride in Genocide bloc.

T2. Repealing the Online Safety Act 2025 (Topical)

Conference notes that the UK Government’s Online Safety Act entered into force on 25 July 2025.

Conference is concerned that access to information on, for example, sexual violence support services, sexual health, gender transition, sexuality, substance use and misuse, and suicide prevention, is now subject to age verification.

Conference believes that preventing young people from accessing such information is more likely to make them more vulnerable and isolated, rather than make them safer.

Conference believes that the Act will not meet its stated aims of protecting children from accessing pornographic or violent content online, that the Act represents a significant privacy risk for all internet users, and notes that it is already having more or less unintended effects elsewhere. Conference notes with concern that the majority of these companies are private and in the US. This Act will enable the greatest data leak in history if it’s not repealed.

Conference calls for the Online Safety Act to be repealed, and for the Scottish Government to rule out the introduction of an analogous policy in an independent Scotland.

2024 OFI Conference – 19th May 2024, Glasgow

1. LGBT Older People

Conference welcomes the publication of LGBT Health and Wellbeing’s 2023 report ‘Fit for Purpose: inclusive housing and social care for older LGBTQ+ people’.

Conference acknowledges its findings that LGBTQ+ older people are at significant risk of loneliness and social exclusion, and that many live in fear of being forced back into the closet if entering care settings becomes necessary, as well as being concerned about attitudes of carers who come into their homes.

Conference recognises the results of Compassion in Care’s report, ‘Stripped of all Pride’, that LGBTQ+ older people in care settings frequently experience homophobic and transphobic abuse from care home staff.

Conference, therefore, calls on the Scottish National Party to ensure that policy pertaining to older people takes into account the unique needs of LGBTQ+ older people, that the National Care Service is delivered in an inclusive manner, and to give consideration to LGBTQ+ focused care services.

2. Hate Crime

Conference congratulates the Scottish Government for successfully implementing the new Hate Crime Act in April of this year. Conference recognises that the Hate Crime Act is a step forward for protecting the rights and safety of all marginalised people in Scotland, and especially extends further protections to LGBTQ+ people.

Conference notes, however, that many people from marginalised communities, including the LGBTQ+ community which continues to live with the legacy of criminalisation, are hesitant to report hate crimes to the police.

Conference, therefore, affirms the importance of Third Party Reporting Centres, which allow people to report hate crime confidentially in safe community spaces and calls on the Scottish National Party to develop stronger policies to promote, safeguard, and support these essential services.

3. Human Rights Bill

Conference commends the Scottish National Party on its commitment to incorporating four UN Human Rights Treaties, in addition to the Right to a Healthy Environment into Scots Law, and the SNP Scottish Government for taking the first steps by putting forward a consultation on these proposals in autumn of last year.

Conference affirms that incorporating human rights into domestic law is essential for ensuring that rights can be realised and that there are domestic legal consequences for violating them.

Conference notes that in the current environment, where the UK Government continually violates human rights, threatens to leave the ECHR, and repeal the Human Rights Act, it is imperative that Scotland enact its own laws to protect human rights.

Conference therefore calls on the Scottish National Party to ensure that the proposed Human Rights Act is progressed as quickly as possible so that the people of Scotland can have their rights realised and protected.

4. LGBTQ+ People & Homelessness Statistics

Conference notes the progress of the Housing (Scotland) Bill. Conference supports its aims of improving rights for tenants in both the private and public sector. Conference further notes that LGBTQ+ people are more likely than the general population to rent their homes.

Conference recognises that while the Housing Bill contains commitments to preventing homelessness in line with the Ending Homelessness Together strategy and Housing to 2040, none of these strategies take LGBTQ+ people’s housing needs into account, despite community-based research suggesting disproportionate rates of homelessness in the LGBTQ+ community, especially LGBTQ+ young people.Conference notes that research indicates that homelessness support organisations and councils are not routinely tracking data on sexual orientation and gender identity, despite this recognised need, nor is this data available in the demographics sections of the annual Homelessness in Scotland reports.

Conference therefore calls on the Scottish National Party to adopt a policy of improving data collection in homelessness services in order to formally establish the scale and causes of LGBTQ+ homelessness, and therefore improve services and prevention.

5. Conversion Practices

Conference commends the Scottish National Party for its 2021 manifesto commitment to ending conversion practices, and applauds the hard work of our previous first ministers, Nicola Sturgeon and Humza Yousaf, in progressing the proposed bill to consultation stage.

Conference welcomes our new party leader and First Minister John Swinney MSP, and is thankful for his quick action to re-affirm the party and Scottish Government’s commitment to ending conversion practices wherever they take place in Scotland.

Conference affirms that conversion practices are abuse, that they cannot be consented to, and that it is unacceptable to engage in conversion practices regardless of the age of the victim. Conference affirms that conversion practices are unacceptable whether committed on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.

Conference recognises that the legislation to create a criminal ban on conversion practices, as well as civil protection orders and a statutory aggravation relating to conversion practices, is only the first step in ending this abuse, and that education, engagement, and support for survivors will be essential to ensuring these practices are ended and not merely banned.

Conference therefore calls on the Scottish National Party and SNP Scottish Government to continue to progress this legislation and ensure that a complete, inclusive, and watertight ban on conversion practices is passed within this parliament and that non-legislative measures to both educate the public and support survivors are put in place as quickly as possible.

6. Informed Consent Model for Adult Transition Care (passed by the SNP)

Conference recognises that the ICD-11 has removed Gender Dysphoria from it’s list of mental health conditions, and the move away from pathologizing trans identity this represents. Conference also recognises the extreme waiting times and significant distress that needing to seek this outdated diagnosis imposes on trans people trying to access Gender Affirming Care.

Given that cis (non-trans) adults can already access HRT and surgeries for a range of medical conditions without additional need for a psychiatric diagnosis, Conference calls for Gender Affirming Care to be brought in line with all other models of healthcare for adults, and operate off of an informed consent model.

Conference further calls for additional training and support to be given to GPs and other healthcare practitioners to assist them with supporting their trans patients.

This resolution was passed by Out for Independence at the SNP’s 2024 Annual National Conference in Edinburgh.

2023 OFI Conference – 27th May 2023, Glasgow

1. Expansion of HIV Testing in Scotland (passed by the SNP)

Conference welcomes the Scottish Government’s aim to eliminate Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) transmission in Scotland by 2030.

Conference recognises that eliminating HIV transmission in Scotland will require a multi-faceted, whole-society approach, and notes the expansion of HIV testing is vital to meeting this goal.

Conference urges anyone who may need a HIV test to get one as soon as possible; recognises that there should be no shame or stigma in taking a HIV test nor in living with the virus, and that those who have HIV can live normal, healthy lives if on effective treatment.

Conference commends HIV Prevention England for its annual National HIV Testing Week campaign, and welcomes recent commitments by the Welsh government to implement its own testing week for Wales.

Conference also notes the success of emergency department opt-out HIV testing in England and its successes in teaching communities most impacted by health inequalities.

Conference calls on the Scottish Government to commit to the expansion of HIV testing in Scotland as a matter of urgency, including committing to the introduction of a funded National HIV Testing Week for Scotland, and to piloting opt-out HIV testing in Scotland’s emergency departments in areas where HIV is most prevalent.

This resolution was passed by Out for Independence at the SNP’s National Council in August 2023 in Perth.

2. Surrogacy Reform

Conference recognises that families are formed in diverse ways; that surrogacy is a valid route to parenthood for couples and individuals who are unable to, or do not wish to, become parents through other routes; and that the current law on surrogacy is out of date, inadequate, and leaves both intended parents and surrogates in a legal grey area with very little protection.

Conference believes that everyone has the fundamental right to start a family and those who require assistance to do so should have fair, well-regulated access to alternative routes to parenthood such as surrogacy.

Conference welcomes the joint publication of a report and draft bill on Surrogacy Reform by the Law Commission for Scotland and the Law Commission of England and Wales; and commends the fair and balanced approach that seeks to provide maximum protection for women volunteering as surrogates, as well as simplifying the process for all involved and increasing legal protections for both the intended parents and the surrogate.

Conference notes with concern that the Law Commission recommendations do not address access to fertility treatment for couples and individuals having a child through surrogacy, and that parents requiring a surrogate do not have the same access to NHS funded fertility treatments as parents who are able to carry their own child.

Conference therefore calls on the Scottish Government to ensure equal access to NHS funded fertility treatments for parents who are unable to carry a child for themselves, once legal reform has taken place.

3. A Strategy for Ending Intimate and Sexual Violence Against Men and Boys (passed by the SNP)

Conference notes the recent publication of a report from Glasgow Caledonian University showing that one in four gay and bisexual men in Scotland have experienced intimate partner violence, and that research by Survivors UK and Galop have found that over half of gay, bisexual, or trans men have experienced some form of sexual assault.

Conference recognises that the 2021 SNP manifesto promised the introduction of a national strategy for ending intimate and sexual violence against men and boys to sit in parallel with and complement the work of Equally Safe, but that further action has not been taken and does not appear in the 2022-23 Programme for Government.

Conference also notes that, at present, the Scottish Government does not have a national strategy for dealing with intimate and sexual violence against men and boys, leaving survivors without support and feeling as though police and public services are unprepared to take their cases seriously. Conference acknowledges that this lack of services, support, and recognition for men and boys who survive intimate and sexual violence creates a culture of silence, driving high rates of isolation, shame, and unacknowledged trauma.

Conference therefore calls on the Scottish National Party:

1) to fulfill its manifesto promise and move quickly and decisively to create a comprehensive, robust, and appropriate strategy for male survivors of intimate and sexual violence;

2) to commit to an education strategy for public services, the police, and the court system about supporting male survivors of intimate and sexual violence; and

3) to develop outreach services to ensure that all survivors can access the help and support they need.

This resolution was passed by Out for Independence at the SNP’s National Council in August 2023 in Perth.

4. Sex Work Decriminalisation

Conference notes that the formal legal situation for sex workers in Scotland has not been reviewed since devolution, despite numerous changes to law in other areas. Conference recognises that the creation of Police Scotland in 2013 removed local discretion from policing of sex work and has created a more difficult environment with little flexibility.

Conference recognises that sex workers are disproportionately LGBTQ+, and that criminalisation of sex work therefore disproportionately affects our community.

Conference further notes that the 2021 SNP manifesto and the Scottish Government strategy on violence against women and girls, Equally Safe, refer to the act of purchasing the services of a sex worker as inherently violence against women, and that this definition ignores the 20% of Scottish sex workers who are men, removes agency from women who engage in sex work, and devalues the high levels of sexual assault and violence that sex workers do experience.

Conference acknowledges that the 2021 SNP manifesto commitment to ‘consider how aspects of international approaches which seek to challenge men’s demand for prostitution would best be applied in Scotland’ biases policy approaches toward the ‘Nordic Model’, which criminalises the purchase of sex.

Conference recognises that the ‘Nordic Model’ has been associated internationally with higher rates of violence, with sex workers in Ireland reporting at 92% increase in violent crimes against them since the ‘Nordic Model’ came into force in 2017, and that most sex worker-led organisations, such as Umbrella Lane, UglyMugs, and Scot-Pep, view decriminalisation as the best way to reduce violence against sex workers.

Conference therefore calls on the Scottish National Party to:

Decriminalise sex work as the first step in reducing health risks and violence;
Consult with sex worker self-advocacy organisations to determine how to best serve their needs; and
Develop and fund services to support sex workers’ health and wellbeing without stigma, with recognition of the needs of LGBTQ+ sex workers, and acknowledgement of male sex workers.

5. Rights & Recognition of Scots who are Intersex and Scots with Variations in Sex Characteristics (passed by the SNP)

Conference believes that Scotland should continue to be a world leader in equality, human rights and progressive values. As such, Conference must ensure that no Scot gets left behind as we move toward becoming an egalitarian Independent Nation.

Conference recognises the existence of people with a variation in sex characteristics or who are intersex (I/VSC), and that their exclusion from legal recognition, definition and access to protections has resulted in: social & medical misinformation; the non-essential genital mutilation of infants with an I/VSC for cosmetic and social purposes – causing chronic pain and serious conditions from dysphoria to infertility; and that lack of understanding of what it means to be Intersex or a person with a VSC leads to stigma, discrimination or exclusion.

Conference therefore proposes that Scotland should establish:

An “I/VSC Working Group” within the Scottish Government for Intersex Scots and Scots with Variations in Sex Characteristics – providing a platform for people with an I/VSC and respective community Stakeholders.

Recognition of Scots with an I/VSC with their inclusion in antidiscrimination laws – with inspiration from already existing laws such as those in Jersey, as well as advancing upon the work of previous I/VSC campaign stakeholders which have worked productively with the Scottish Government on matters such as Hate Crime legislation. Acknowledging the said stakeholders must be a part of the conversation on healthcare policies.

A campaign of social awareness, normalisation, anti-bullying and rectifying the spread of misinformation within both education & healthcare, as well as preventing the unintentional/intentional exclusion or even ‘outing’ of adults & children with an I/VSC. This process must allow for contributions from Scots with an I/VSC which respects individual privacy; provides anonymity if requested; and guarantees that social policy has both the individual needs of people with an I/VSC, as well as respective stakeholders’ inputs, central to any decision making.

An immediate and complete ban on all future ‘non-essential nonconsensual’ medical procedures performed on Scots with an I/VSC, including, but not limited to, the banning of genital mutilation on infants with an I/VSC through non-essential ‘sexing’ or cosmetic procedures, whilst guaranteeing that personalised medical support is expanded and is increasingly accessible, given how vitally important it is.

This resolution was passed by Out for Independence at the SNP’s National Campaign Council in March 2024 in Perth.

6. Internal Governance Review (Internal)

The text of this resolution has been omitted as it refers to internal party matters. If you are an SNP member, please email info@outforindy.scot to access the text of this resolution.

7. A Racial Justice Officer for Out for Independence (Internal)

Conference notes the growing importance of intersectionality in our community and wider society, both in terms of inclusiveness and for building political and social support across communities. Conference also notes that the risk to LGBTQ+ people, especially to Black Asian Minority Ethnic (BAME) and refugee and asylum-seeking LGBTQ+ people, is growing rapidly due to the increasingly far right and draconian actions of Westminster and the Home Office.

Conference recognises the fantastic achievements and hard work affiliate groups such as Out For Independence (OFI) have made to the LGBTQ+ community in Scotland.

Conference notes with interest the growing challenges, as intersectionality plays a central part. Intersectionality acknowledges that every individual has their own experiences and if we exist as a sole single community, it can be harmful. It is crucial to recognize diversity within the community because LGBTQ+ ethnic minorities, refugees, and asylum seekers face higher risks to their lives including partner violence, and have lesser access to services.

Conference resolves that by creating a Racial Justice Officer position within OFI it will help address these issues by allowing BAME LGBTQ+ people to more easily access support and express their needs, building stronger bonds and alliances with other affiliate groups in the party. It will also allow OFI to keep up with and address the threats from Westminster and the Home Office.

8. LGBTQ+ Asylum Seekers (passed by the SNP)

Conference notes the current lack of safe routes to seeking asylum in the UK from abroad, forcing asylum seekers to endanger their lives to reach these shores. Conference further notes that, under the new Illegal Migration Bill, the UK risks breaching its international human rights responsibilities. Conference affirms that it is not illegal to seek asylum and that seeking asylum is a basic human right.

Conference acknowledges that the global rise in anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment has placed the lives of queer people across the world in danger, and that many LGBTQ+ people will be forced to seek asylum. Conference specifically notes the passage of the extreme anti-LGBTQ+ legislation in Uganda, which has become the first country in the world to criminalise merely identifying as LGBTQ+.

Conference recognises that LGBTQ+ people who arrive in the UK and are able to claim asylum often face humiliating assessments, hostile Home Office staff who disbelieve their sexual orientation, and unsuitable accommodation that places them at greater risk of violence and exploitation than their straight counterparts.

Conference acknowledges that LGBTQ+ asylum seekers placed in detention are at high risk of abuse and are not protected, and that trans women in particular are at risk of being placed in male detention centres. Conference notes that having to hide their gender identity or sexual orientation in detention makes pursuing an asylum claim on the basis of LGBTQ+ identity difficult.

Conference therefore condemns the Illegal Migration Bill, and calls on the Scottish National Party to pressure the UK government to:

End detention of asylum seekers;
Create a framework providing appropriate services to LGBTQ+ asylum seekers; and
Urgently improve the process of decision-making for LGBTQ+ asylum claims with an emphasis on rights, dignity and respect.

This resolution was passed by Out for Independence at the SNP’s National Council in August 2023 in Perth.

9. Bi+ Inclusion, Health & Wellbeing

Conference notes that the recent census data from England & Wales suggests that nearly half of the LGBTQ+ population identifies as falling under the Bi+ umbrella. Conference acknowledges that, despite this, Bi+ people often feel they are part of the LGBTQ+ community, and one study found that 42% felt they needed to pass as gay or lesbian to access LGBTQ+ services, and that 27% had experienced biphobia in these settings.

Conference further acknowledges that the Bi+ community faces considerable stigma from both the straight and larger LGBTQ+ communities, resulting in feelings of isolation, vulnerability, and poor health outcomes. Conference notes that Bi+ people are less likely to be open with their GPs than gay men and lesbians, are three times less likely to be out to their families, and less likely to be out at work, in educational settings, and to friends, fuelling isolation.

Conference recognises that there has been progress in government services and recognition for LGBTQ+ people, but that few of these have explicitly targeted the bi+ community. Conference notes that Bi+ people report being targeted by negative stereotypes when engaging with medical professionals, the police, and other public services.

Conference therefore calls on the Scottish National Party to:

Fund research into the needs of the Bi+ community;
Ensure that Bi+ inclusion is considered when formulating LGBTQ+ policy;
Develop materials to address negative stereotypes of Bi+ people held by medical professionals and other people delivering public services; and
Ensure that LGBTQ+ health policy addresses the specific negative health outcomes in the Bi+ community.