Scotland & Wales: Dr Q & LGBTQI+ pose challenges

Scotland and Wales have elected their newest parliamentary representatives, which could pose some concerns for evangelical Christians in each country, says The Christian Institute.

Scotland saw the Scottish National Party (SNP) get the most votes for the fifth time, along with the most seats in parliament, although less than the last election. Labour and Reform UK came in joint second, with Reform making strides since the last election and winning its first seats in Holyrood.

This election also made history for the Scottish Greens, who secured a higher vote share and more MSPs than ever before, landing them fourth ahead of the Conservatives.

Two of the party’s candidates will also become the first transgender MSPs to serve in the Scottish Parliament. Q Manivannan was elected in Edinburgh and the Lothians East, while Iris Duane was elected in the Glasgow region.

“My name is Dr Q Manivannan, I am a transgender Tamil immigrant, my pronouns are they/them… ” Manivannan said after the results were announced. “I am to some in this country everything that the hateful despise and I am standing here as your MSP now with care.”

In Wales, Plaid Cymru garnered the most votes and Members of the Senedd. It is now the largest party in the country, overtaking Labour which held that position for 100 years.

Following the election, first minister Eluned Morgan announced her decision to step down as leader of Welsh Labour after losing her seat – the first leader of a UK government to do so while in office.

Reform UK came second to Plaid, building on the party’s performance in previous years.

In both Scotland and Wales, the leading parties failed to achieve a majority, and will have to work with other parties to push through policies.

“Christians should be mindful of what this may mean for issues on which the Bible is clear,” Ciarán Kelly, Director of The Christian Institute, told en. “We should expect proposals on conversion therapy, which could criminalise parents who try to steer their kids away from transgender drugs and pastors who preach Biblical sexual ethics. The SNP and Plaid Cymru are also committed to continuing to promote LGBTQI+ education across all primary and secondary schools. In Scotland specifically, there is likely to be a consultation on plans to sweep away almost all remaining limitations on abortion.”

Kelly noted that whether voters are disappointed or elated with the results of the election, those emotions are temporary.

“There is only one who is the same yesterday, today and forever,” he said. “We must never lose sight of the glorious truth that salvation is only found in Christ, certainly not in any political programme. Yet as followers of Christ we are also called to demonstrate that we care about the world, called to act as salt and light in our society. Wherever you stand politically, whether you’re happy with the results or not, remember that there’s no authority except that which God has established. So, make sure that you pray for those in authority, especially believers that have been elected – that they may have the courage to stand for what is right in a difficult environment.”