Iain Macwhirter suggests that in Scotland there may be no class differences in attitudes towards equality for LGBT people (Demonisation of the working class is not an issue in Scotland, Comment, August 21). The evidence supports his view. For example, a 2012 Ipsos Mori opinion poll on attitudes to same-sex marriage in Scotland found that 64 per cent were in favour and 26 per cent opposed, with no significant differences by social class.

Overall, support for equal marriage grew from 41 per cent in the 2002 Scottish Social Attitudes Survey, to 61 per cent in the 2010 survey. The leadership shown by politicians from all parties is very important, and it seems likely that another key reason for this particular rapid change is the freedom for more LGB people to be open about their sexual orientation to family, friends and colleagues. Since we are born into all classes, it's not surprising that increasing openness benefits opinion across all classes.

The 2015 Social Attitudes Survey, due to be published next month, will confirm whether our hunch is correct that that positive effect is continuing, and is now starting to benefit attitudes towards trans people, as well as those who are LGB.

Tim Hopkins

Equality Network