Broad Left Newsletter
Autumn 2000
Why students must fight to scrap Section 28
In 1997, the Labour Government came to power on the back of a raft of promises to the lesbian, gay and bisexual community. We were promised an equal age of consent, an end to the ban on entry to the armed forces, and we were promised that Section 28 would be taken off the statute books. As we approach the next general election, it is time to take stock of what has actually been achieved. The age of consent is still unequal, thanks to the bigotry of the House of Lords. The army ban has been limited, but only under pressure from the European Courts. And Section 28 (despite having been removed in Scotland in less time and with greater opposition) remains law in England and Wales. Of all the discriminations and oppressions LGB people face in our society, Section 28 is probably the most damaging.
Many, if not most LGB people have unhappy memories of their school days. They remember being the 'class queer', they remember verbal and physical abuse from their class mates, the fear of being found out. More worryingly still, they remember knowing that there was no support from their teachers. Indeed, many provide tacit encouragement by turning a blind eye. The effects of this treatment are horrifying. One in 10 gay men attempt suicide in their teenage years. Many more suffer from low self-esteem, depression or other forms of mental ill health.
Schools are a hot-bed of prejudice, but this can't be changed if teachers do not have the power to challenge it. The direct and intended effect of Section 28 is that homosexuality is understood to be a second class lifestyle which shouldn't be discussed. Year after year, children leave school and enter the adult world with these prejudices ingrained in them. This could be different. It must be different. But our government would rather play up to the populist ideas of 'family values', than make changes which would have a beneficial effect on our society,
As students we have a vital role to play in the campaign to scrap section 28. Most FE and HE students were educated under Section 28, and the have direct experience of its effects. In fact many FE institutions use Section 28 as an excuse to ignore homophobia in their own campuses, even though the law doesn't apply to them. Those of us who have suffered under this vile law owe it to the next generation of school children to challenge the government's indifference.
Newsletter Contents
Broad Left's Aims and objectives
Broad Left's NEC Report 30.6.2000
Education Funding
Fighting Racism
Students and the Peace Movement
Environment and Ethics
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