They are angry that the Scottish businessman has been
celebrated, despite publicly supporting Section 28 - controversial
legislation which prohibited schools from 'promoting'
homosexuality.
Souter, who will be knighted for his contributions to the
transport and voluntary sector, personally donated £1 million to
try and retain Section 28 in 2000.
Ultimately, he failed - but now the organiser of the petition
against the accolade, Ross Chmiel, told PinkPaper.com that Souter
is undeserving.
He said: "Like many people I don't pay much attention to the
Honours List, however I was sickened to see that a man who caused
such hurt to the LGBT community could be given such a prestigious
honour.
"This is a slap in the face to gay men and women across Scotland
and to their straight friends who support equality".
The petition, which has gained a lot of support through social
media sites such as Facebook and has the backing of Doctor Who
writers Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss, states: "We the undersigned
are deeply offended that Brian Souter has been awarded a Knighthood
in the Queen's Birthday Honours 2011.
"Mr. Souter ran a campaign of fear and misinformation which was
deeply hurtful to the LGBT community in Scotland. The Keep The
Clause Campaign increased hatred towards an already victimised
group and saw a corresponding increase in violence against LGBT
people.
"We believe that it is wrong for such a person to be given such a
high honour by Her Majesty The Queen and call on HM Government to
withdraw this award."
The petition can be found at:
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/notosoutersknighthood/signatures
