Scottish leader backs LGBTI envoy plan

First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon has pledged support for the creating an international envoy for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) rights.

She said the Scottish National Party (SNP) members of parliament elected last May would back any move to establish such a diplomatic post within the foreign office, BBC reported Saturday.

"Too many LGBTI people in many countries still face the most extreme forms of prejudice and hate, our voice must be one of those arguing and advocating for equality, tolerance and love," Sturgeon, head of the Scottish government, said.

The first minister said that attending one of Scotland's first same-sex marriages was among her proudest moments since taking up the post in November.

Sturgeon is slated to address a conference organised by Out for Independence, the LGBTI wing of the SNP.

Labour leader Ed Miliband announced in September that former actor and Labour member Michael Cashman would be the party's envoy on LGBTI rights.

The US Department of State will also announce the appointment of a special envoy to advocate for LGBTI rights overseas later this month.