CHARLIE CONDOU - No.1168

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Tom Daley and celebrities urge voters to reject an independent Scotland
Posted by: Dan Littauer

Out gay celebrities, including sportsmen Tom Daley, actors John Barrowman and Charlie Condou have signed a letter urging Scottish voters to reject independence.

Over 200 other celebrities signed a giant “Letter to Scotland” which was unveiled in London yesterday by Dan Snow and Ben Fogle.

The letter reads: “The decision on whether to leave our shared country is, of course, absolutely yours alone.

“Nevertheless, that decision will have a huge effect on all of us in the rest of the United Kingdom.

“We want to let you know how very much we value our bonds of citizenship with you, and to express our hope that you will vote to renew them.

“What unites us is much greater than what divides us. Let’s stay together.”

Ben Fogle stressed that the letter isn’t about swaying people’s votes.

Daley and Barrowman were both in the spotlight during the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, with the diver winning gold while the actor performed the famous “Glasgow gay Kiss”.

Out gay actor and celebrity Alan Cummings has endorsed a Yes vote while human rights activist Peter Tatchell told KaleidoScot “if I were a Scot, I’d vote yes as Scotland is and wants to be more progressive on equality than Westminster.”

Ordinary LGBT Scots said they preferred real debates concerning independence rather than “publicity stunts.”

Stuart Duffy, a Yes supporter and LGBT activist told KaleidoScot: “Its great that more and more people are taking part in the debate but for Ben Fogle to say the list “isn’t about swaying votes” seems rather ironic – why comment at all at this stage if the list isn’t intended to have an impact on voters?

“To me it’s a decision that will be taken by people who live and work here, and feel passionate about Scotland’s future.

“I don’t see Westminster taking steps in enriching our lives, and Scotland is already ahead of the rest of the UK in its equality legislation. Now imagine if we were able to enshrine it in a new constitution, defending the rights of all?

“Its a too great an opportunity to turn away from and that’s why I’m voting Yes.

“Everyone is welcome to offer their opinion on independence but I know this vote will be won through having meaningful conversations with everyday Scots, rather than shallow publicity stunts.”

A 27 year old lesbian reader of KaleidoScot who prefers to remain anonymous said she was still undecided “but this kind of campaign has no effect on my views.

“I’m much more interested in understanding the details and debates about what can happen in Scotland if we become independent with regards to social and economic equality.

While I can see how celebrities can raise the profile of different sides of the argument, I wasn’t really impressed with the ‘Letter to Scotland’.”