The streets of Helsinki will today be filled with calls for equality as the Pride parade marches through the city. SFP Party President, Minister of Education Anders Adlercreutz, will take part in the parade together with other members of the government and the Swedish People’s Party.
“To be oneself is a freedom that should be self-evident in this day and age. In a time when the right to one’s own identity is being questioned in many parts of the world – even in Europe – it is more important than ever to stand up for everyone’s equality,” says Adlercreutz.
This year’s theme, Pride without Borders, particularly draws attention to queer immigrants and the importance of Finland being a safe country also for those who have been forced to leave everything behind.
“SFP wants Finland to be a welcoming society for all. For that to happen, we must ensure no one is left out. Young people in particular need to be in the spotlight. It is known that children and youths from sexual minorities are more likely to have a bad time and experience unsafety in their school environment,” Adlercreutz explains.
“We have to tackle that issue, and therefore in May we launched a development programme for equality and equal opportunities in schools,” Adlercreutz says.
This programme provides schools and teachers with concrete tools for increasing safety and equality in the classroom, regardless of the students’ background, gender or sexual orientation.
“All children have the right to feel safe at school and to be treated with respect. It is our responsibility to ensure that that right is fulfilled,” Adlercreutz explains.
